Released on November 21, 2000
The provincial government spent an extra $24 million this fall to fixSaskatchewan roads. This brings the Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation
budget to a record $274 million, a 17 per cent increase over the 1999-2000
budget.
The total includes the $12 million injection for highway spending announced
earlier in October.
"We are fixing the roads," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag
said. "Saskatchewan residents have asked us to fix the roads and we've spent
an extra $24 million this fall doing just that."
Sonntag said the decision to spend more money to improve the province's
highways resulted from revenues generated by economic growth in the province.
The spring budget predicted 2.3 per cent growth, but the actual figure was 3.3
per cent.
"We took advantage of exceptionally good fall weather conditions in October and
contractor availability. In addition, department staff did extensive work this
fall to improve highway conditions over the winter, helping to minimize damage
to thin membrane surface highways in the spring."
The money has primarily been directed to increased surface repair and
construction activities, allowing department crews and contractors to complete
94 repair and improvement projects on 61 different highways across the
province.
In October, Minister Sonntag announced the largest Winter Tender Schedule for
upcoming highway work, totalling $90 million. This more than doubled the
previous year's Winter Tender Schedule. The Winter Tender Schedule allows
workers to get out on the roads 4 – 6 weeks earlier in the spring.
"These injections of money demonstrate we are committed to fixing roads and
highways across Saskatchewan. We are preparing for substantial highway
improvements next year," Sonntag said.
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Barry Martin
Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations
Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation
Phone: (306) 787-4859