TOWN OF BIENFAIT AND RM OF ARGYLE RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Released on March 27, 2006

The town of Bienfait and the RM of Argyle are receiving more than $240,000 worth of new federal and provincial infrastructure funds under the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The breakdown of funding is as follows:

• Town of Bienfait – sewer line extension - federal and provincial MRIF investment of $54,768 each; municipal investment of $109,539.

• RM of Argyle – road reconstruction – federal and provincial MRIF investment of $67,500 each; RM investment of $135,000.

This investment is part of the more than $26 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds outlined today for 31 MRIF infrastructure projects across the province. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute $3.9 million each to these 31 projects, while participating municipalities will provide the remaining $18.2 million.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with all levels of government to develop, renew and enhance the infrastructure in our communities," Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. "The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund enables our municipalities to plan, finance and deliver on their infrastructure priorities. From a sewer line extension in Bienfait to road reconstruction in the RM of Argyle, we are investing in the future health and sustainability of our communities."

This MRIF funding includes six local road projects, 21 wastewater and water supply improvements, two energy-efficient building projects, one cultural and one recreational project.

To date, 91 projects worth more than $91 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds have been announced under the MRIF program.

In total, the federal and provincial governments are investing $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which could raise the total infrastructure investment to $152 million.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan). All mitigating factors will be addressed during the construction phase.

Information on the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs is available online at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

Municipalities seeking more information should contact the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Joint Secretariat (306) 787-7414.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Carney Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-6156