SPECIAL NEEDS TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE FOR CUPAR

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Ron Osika and Mayor Steve Boha

officially unveiled a new vehicle for special needs transportation service

in Cupar today. The province contributed a total of $55,000 from the

Centenary Fund, toward the cost of the vehicle.



"This new vehicle will benefit the transportation services for Cupar

residents with disabilities," Osika said. "Transportation is key to a

person's ability to access services, work, socialize and live independently

within the community and this funding will help provide a safe and reliable

vehicle to ride in."



"The people of Cupar are excited to see our new vehicle," Mayor Boha said.

"We are proud of the service provided by our handi-van and with the local

and provincial contributions toward this new vehicle our passengers can

continue to travel in comfort."



The Centenary Fund was set up to leave a legacy of Saskatchewan's

Centennial for future generations. Leading up to the centennial

celebrations in 2005, the government is funding projects that are of

provincial or regional interest and develop municipal infrastructure.



Under the Centenary Fund Saskatchewan communities will receive more than

$2.4 million, over the next three years, toward the replacement of special

needs transportation vehicles.



The province also provided $2.15 million in 2001/02 for the Transit for the

Disabled Program as part of an annual base that supports both operational

and capital costs of providing this service in 78 communities.



-30-



For more information, contact:



Cathy Gourlie

Municipal Affairs and Housing

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5959