The widening of Gary Anderson Way, completed in June, is one of 11 P.A. projects paid for by the MEEP program. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Funding flows

Province approves $5.1 million of infrastructure funding for Prince Albert

Jul 8, 2020 | 12:03 PM

The City of Prince Albert’s funding application for 11 infrastructure projects totalling $5.1 million has been approved.

The money is P.A.’s share of $300 million pledged to municipalities across Saskatchewan under the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP). The $300 million, to be awarded over the course of two years, is part of a broader plan to help the economy recover from the pandemic.

“In these particular times, it is important that the City of Prince Albert be able to reopen as safely as possible and get its citizens back to work,” Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave said in a media release.

Council finalized its list of priorities for the funding in May. Money will go towards various projects including pavement rehabilitation, the Marquis Road West extension and the Alfred Jenkins Playground expansion.

“City Council and administration have worked very hard to acquire additional funding for our community,” said Mayor Greg Dionne in the same release. “The infrastructure projects being funded by MEEP are critical to the city’s sustainability and growth and would not have been possible without the support of the provincial government.”

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As of Wednesday $21.37 million worth of projects province-wide have been approved to receive MEEP funding.

In a separate media release, Government Relations Minister Lori Carr said the program strengthens communities in two ways.

“Municipalities improve their local infrastructure and capital assets needed to provide services to residents,” she said. “As well as provide projects that can help get residents back to work.”

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include comment from MLA Joe Hargrave and Mayor Greg Dionne.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom