Released on October 23, 2006
The Province of Saskatchewan is investing $24 million on a highway upgrade, in partnership with municipal and First Nations partners, to enable economic development along the Highway 219 Corridor.The partnership will see Highway 219 upgraded between Saskatoon and Highway 15 – a distance of 71 kilometres - to support the growing tourism and commercial industries valued at over $100 million on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and in the Lake Diefenbaker area.
The partnership includes Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation; the Whitecap Dakota First Nation; and the Rural Municipalities of Corman Park, Dundurn and Rudy, with support from the City of Saskatoon. Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation will provide the $24 million investment with the other partners providing $2.4 million in services of indirect and direct cost savings back to the department. Initial work will begin this winter with on-road construction starting in the spring.
"The opportunities the booming tourism industry in the area is generating contribute to a better life for families and a brighter future for our youth," Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "The province is pleased to enter into this partnership to ensure investment in transportation infrastructure supports and accelerates the economic development that is occurring."
"This partnership compliments our strategy to create employment, business development and tourism opportunities for Whitecap and for the entire region," Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear said. "We will be able to participate and contribute in the regional economy and improve the quality of life for our members."
"This is an example of different levels of government working together to achieve shared goals," Mid-Sask Regional Economic Development Authority Project Manager Russ McPherson said. "The provincial government, municipal leaders and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation are to be commended for developing this innovative investment opportunity."
"The City of Saskatoon has been part of the discussions leading up to today's announcement, and is supportive of this initiative," Councillor Myles Heidt said. "Not only will it generate economic benefits, but it strengthens our relationships with First Nations and surrounding municipalities."
This investment is a component of the province's long-term strategy to maximize the transportation system's impact on economic development. The strategy outlines Saskatchewan's long term plan to ensure the province's transportation network meets the current and future demands of a thriving and diverse economy. The strategy will also make a priority of building new relationships between parties with the greatest interest in the transportation network.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4804 Email: dwakabayashi@highways.gov.sk.ca |