Minister of Rural Economic Development Bernadette Jordan, left, with Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Infrastructure

Federal government announces money for infrastructure

Mar 11, 2019 | 2:09 PM

The federal and provincial governments are teaming up to help improve Saskatchewan’s highways.

Bernadette Jordan, minister responsible for rural economic development, announced Monday morning in Prince Albert the Government of Canada’s plan to spend just over $40 million to help improve highways in the province.

During her opening remarks, the minister spoke about the importance of investing in infrastructure in smaller communities.

“Rural Canada is a key driver of our economic prosperity but we know that certain barriers exist that make it hard for these communities to reach their full potential,” she said.

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Jordan said by spending the money they are, the federal government hopes to help improve the lives of people in rural communities and help make way for more economic development in these communities.

“Approximately 259 kilometers of road will be improved through these projects,” she said.

Minister of Rural Economic Development Bernadette Jordan spoke about the funding Monday morning at a Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure facility in P.A. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave was at the announcement representing the Government of Saskatchewan. Hargrave spoke about the importance of Saskatchewan having strong transportation infrastructure.

“Highway three, which will benefit from the funding announcement today is a prime example of this, this highway supports both the forestry industry and the agriculture sector,” he said.

Two parts of highway three will be getting some of the federal money, as 23 kilometers of the highway east of the city will be getting redone, along with 13 kilometers west of the city.

Along with the $40 million from the federal government, the provincial government has committed just over $40 million which means that just over $80 million extra will go towards improving highways in the province.

When looking at what highways are most in need of work, Hargrave explained the ministry of highways and infrastructure look at a number of factors, such as traffic volumes and usage over the long term. But added there is one which does take precedent.

“Safety is the main priority … another is conditions of the road,” he said.

In total 15 different projects across the province will be getting federal money.

Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave spoke about the importance of highways to the province. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn