RIBBON CUTTING HELD ON HIGHWAY 39 AT NORTH PORTAL

Released on June 30, 2000

A ribbon cutting will be held today at Saskatchewan's busiest border crossing.



Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag will cut the ribbon over a

new section of Highway 39 at the North Portal border crossing. The northbound

lane was realigned, creating a divided highway to accommodate a new Duty Free

Shop.



"The realignment not only improves access to the Duty Free Shop and Tourism

Saskatchewan Visitor Reception Centre, but also improves traffic flow at this

most vital border crossing point," Sonntag said.



Cost of the project was $549,000, with Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation

contributing $164,000. The North Portal Duty Free Shop, which initiated the

road realignment project, assumed the remainder of the cost. HJR Asphalt Ltd.

of Saskatoon did the road work.



"This is an excellent example of private business working with government for

mutual reward," Sonntag said. "The project will benefit the province's $1

billion annual tourism industry through increased border presence and

visibility and enhanced convenience and services for travellers."



In 1999 more than 145,000 vehicles carrying more than 241,000 passengers

entered Saskatchewan at North Portal. This crossing is not only the busiest in

Saskatchewan, but is also one of the busiest points of entry to Canada.



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For more information, contact:



Mike Woods

Highways and Transportation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4804