Released on June 29, 2009
Canada and Saskatchewan invest another $86 million in 85 projects across the Province
Saskatchewan's communities will benefit from another federal-provincial partnership to support infrastructure work across the province that will help stimulate the economy and create jobs. Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz, along with the Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison, today announced funding for 85 infrastructure initiatives through the infrastructure component of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"Our government is making smart investments that will improve Saskatchewan's infrastructure, inject additional capital into our economy, and keep people working during these tough economic times," said Ritz. "This infrastructure will improve our quality of life, as well as help to boost our regional economy now and for years to come."
"Together all levels of government are injecting needed funding into vital infrastructure projects for Saskatchewan's urban, rural and northern communities," Harrison said. "Many of these are much-needed water projects, essential to keeping these communities healthy and vibrant."
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan today announced new funding of more than $86 million for community and provincial infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan.
Today's announcement includes a joint funding of more than $79.3 million for 72 projects in communities of fewer than 100,000 residents under the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component. The federal contribution includes funding from the additional $500 million national "top-up" for the Communities Component announced in the Economic Action Plan for projects that can be built over the next two years. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing two-thirds of the total eligible costs of these projects, while Saskatchewan communities are contributing the remainder of the funds.
Also included in today's announcement are ten local road and three wastewater infrastructure projects that will benefit from the new federal $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Together, these thirteen projects will receive joint federal-provincial funding of over $6.8 million ($4.5 million from the federal government and $2.3 million from the province). The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year's and next year's construction seasons.
The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. The June 11 "Report to Canadians" underlines progress in infrastructure investments.
Canada and Saskatchewan are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hilton
Office of Canada's Minister of State for Transport
Phone: 613-991-0700
Jeff Welke
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-536-1185
Infrastructure Canada
Phone: 613-948-1148