Released on April 19, 2002
More than $35 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds will bespent on 137 infrastructure projects in communities across the province.
Ralph Goodale, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf
of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification)
(Indian Affairs and Northern Development) and Government Relations Minister
Ron Osika today announced funding support through the Canada-Saskatchewan
Infrastructure Program (CSIP).
"It is the Government of Canada's priority to improve the quality of life
for all Canadians," Goodale said. "The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure
Program enables the federal government to join with provincial and
municipal partners to co-operatively fund projects that renew water
quality, preserve the environment and enhance economic prosperity through
21st century infrastructure."
"Projects that address water quality and the protection of our environment
have received the highest priority in the program," Osika said. "The
Government of Saskatchewan is very pleased to work with our federal and
municipal partners to support infrastructure projects that will help to
ensure a sustainable future for our province."
One hundred eleven communities, including 12 in northern Saskatchewan, will
spend more than $30.2 million to upgrade water supply and wastewater
services. Many of these communities were issued "precautionary drinking
water advisories" by Saskatchewan Environment. Another $279,000 will be
spent on four solid waste projects.
Twenty-one communities will receive more than $4.6 million to repair or
upgrade streets and rural roads. Maple Creek will upgrade the local
airstrip to accommodate access for air ambulance services at a total cost
of $264,000.
Today's announcement represents 137 projects that are approved for CSIP
funding to date. Additional Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program
funding announcements will be made later this spring. Last year, over
$29.8 million in federal and provincial CSIP funds went to 91 projects in
Saskatchewan communities across the province.
Over the five years of the program more than $170 million in federal,
provincial and municipal funds will be invested in Saskatchewan
municipalities.
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of
the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities
provide the remaining one-third of project costs making the program a
unique partnership between all three levels of government. In total, more
than $17 million federal and provincial funds will be spent on the projects
approved so far this year.
The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green
municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades,
solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency
of buildings owned by municipal governments.
Other priorities under the program include local transportation
infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure
supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed
Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.
Before receiving final approval, community projects must undergo a review
process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Twenty-five of
the approved projects have not yet completed the environmental assessment.
Funding for these CSIP projects was provided for in the December 2001
federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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For more information, contact:
Cathie Kryzanowski Joanne Mysak
Government Relations Western Economic Diversification
Regina Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 787-8427 Phone: (306) 975-5942
WD Toll-Free No:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
WD World Wide Web Site:
English – http://www.wd.gc.ca
French – http://www.deo.gc.ca