Building Stronger Communities Across Saskatchewan With Federal Gas Tax Fund
Investing in modern, efficient public infrastructure is key to promoting economic growth, strengthening the middle class and developing healthy sustainable communities.
The Government of Canada has delivered the first of two, more than $30.9 million, instalments of the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) to Saskatchewan for the 2018-19 fiscal year. In total, the province will be provided with more than $61.9 million within that period.
The GTF is a long-term, indexed source of funding that supports local infrastructure projects across the province each year. Some planned projects funded this year include installation of culverts in the Rural Municipality of Pleasantdale No. 398, construction of a new skating arena in the Town of Assiniboia, and expansion of a water treatment plant reservoir in the Town of Strasbourg. Local roads and bridges, sport infrastructure and drinking water are only three of the 18 project categories eligible for funding under the program. This wide range demonstrates the flexibility of the GTF in allowing communities to direct their allocations to their most pressing local needs.
“Local governments know best what their communities need and the Government of Canada is proud to deliver stable, long-term funding that they count on to develop and maintain their public infrastructure,” Minister of Infrastructure and Communities François-Philippe Champagne said. “By investing in our communities, the Government of Canada is promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability, strengthening the middle class and helping ensure all Canadians have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.”