Released on June 25, 2009
Communities that have suffered following the downturn in the global economy are eligible to apply for more funding from the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) for economic revitalization projects.
In 2008, the federal government announced a $1 billion CDTF intended to help support activities that strengthen economic opportunities for communities negatively affected by global financial and commodity market disruption.
"During this downtime we want to see our communities revitalized by supporting them to develop alternative economic activities," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "I want to encourage communities to apply for funding for infrastructure and economic development projects in order to support existing businesses and attract new ones."
Saskatchewan's share of the fund is $36.4 million over three years. The forestry sector and its communities are being targeted for priority spending in Saskatchewan given the historic downturn that has occurred in this sector.
Enterprise Saskatchewan, which is disbursing the CDTF funds, is currently accepting applications. The deadline for community infrastructure project applications is September 15, 2009. Applications for economic development plans and feasibility studies can be made at any time during the year.
Under the revitalization program, funding has been approved for 13 community infrastructure projects for a total of $10.6 million. The province has already announced funding for the communities of Prince Albert, Big River, Meadow Lake, Hudson Bay, Carrot River, La Ronge and the villages of Beauval and Green Lake.
The application and guidelines for the CDTF are posted on the Enterprise Saskatchewan website at www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca