Released on February 28, 2014
Four Highway Infrastructure Projects Identified as Priorities for Funding Under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada FundMore than 100 kilometres of the Core National Highway System in the province of Saskatchewan will be repaved and four intersections improved, making travel safer and more efficient for residents, businesses and tourists. The total estimated cost is $35.1 million, with the Government of Canada setting aside up to $16,550,929 for the projects and the provincial government committing an additional $18,555,121.
Segments of Highway 16 east of Lloydminster, Highway 1 east of Regina and Highway 1 west of Swift Current will be repaved. Segments of Highway 39 northwest of Estevan will also be repaved and four intersections along the highway improved.
“Safe, modern and efficient highway infrastructure is key to connecting workers with jobs, products with markets and travellers with destinations,” said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “We are proud to invest in significant infrastructure projects, like these, and our government will continue to focus on creating jobs and building stronger communities across Saskatchewan and all of Canada.”
“With our growing population and strong export-based economy, connecting Saskatchewan to the rest of Canada and beyond has never been more important,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “The world wants what Saskatchewan has, and the National Highway System is a crucial tool for getting our food, fuel and fertilizer to market.”
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada has set aside up to one-half of the eligible costs of each of the four projects through the original 2007 Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC), to a maximum federal contribution of $16,550,929. The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to providing $18,555,121. The total estimated cost of all four projects is $35.1 million.
- These projects are made possible because the province of Saskatchewan identified cost savings of approximately $16.5 million on two previously-approved BCF-MIC highway projects: the Highway 11 twinning from south of Hague to north of Mcdowell, as well as the Highway 1 and Lewvan Drive Interchange. Both projects were completed under budget, allowing funds to be reallocated to other priorities identified by the province.
- Federal financial support is conditional on the timely negotiation of a contribution agreement between the province of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada.
For more information, contact:
Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Government of Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-943-1838