Released on June 19, 2009
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter congratulated Great Sandhills Railway on their official grand opening today, as they become Saskatchewan's ninth shortline after receiving a provincial loan and feasibility grant.
"The Government of Saskatchewan was proud to play a role in helping establish this latest and important addition to our transportation system," Reiter said. "Shortline railways like this one help link our export-based economy to worldwide markets and support economic development in rural Saskatchewan."
Great Sandhills Railway - which began operating in March and services the Great Sandhills Terminal, other producers and gas plants - received a $1.9 million interest-free provincial loan toward the purchase of a 187-km long Saskatchewan segment of the shortline from just outside Swift Current to Burstall.
"I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in establishing this ninth Saskatchewan-based shortline," Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard said. "This is a very important addition to the shortline network."
Great Sandhills Railway finalized the purchase of the shortline from Canadian Pacific Railway in March. Great Sandhills Railway also received a $16,000 provincial study grant to investigate the viability of the shortline before purchase.
"Great Sandhills Railway appreciates all the technical support and investment from the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure," Great Sandhills Railway CEO Perry Pellerin said.
Saskatchewan's nine operational shortline railways cover about 1,600 kilometres of provincially regulated railways. These provincial shortlines connect to about 7,100 kilometres of federally-regulated rail lines in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804 Jeff Simpson
Great Sandhills Railway
Leader
Phone: 306-628-8221