REGINA – A move on Wednesday by the federal government will give Saskatchewan communities more money for infrastructure projects.
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced in Regina an agreement that will see money from the gas tax fund flow into the province for another 10 years.
The agreement will provide $292.7 million over the first five years, with $56.3 million earmarked for 2014-15.
“The renewed Gas Tax Fund provides a source of revenue for Saskatchewan municipalities to address their priority infrastructure projects, such as building roads and improving water and sewage treatment,” said Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan’s government relations minister.
“These projects help build vibrant communities and improve the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people.”
Under the agreement, more eligible projects will now qualify for the funds including regional and local airports and disaster mitigation.
David Marit, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, is pleased with the announcement, saying the changes will give flexibility to communities for priority projects.
Since the program first started, over 1,950 projects in Saskatchewan have benefitted from funding.
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