Released on September 4, 2007
Residents of Montmartre will benefit from $318,324 in combined federal and provincial funding for infrastructure through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The investment was announced today by Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen and Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu'Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
Today's announcement will assist the Village to make a number of needed upgrades to its water treatment system. The upgrades include a new backflow prevention, distribution pump, valves, controls and an automated solution feeder. The total project cost is $636,650.
"I'm proud that infrastructure funding from the provincial government will be put toward a project that will have tangible benefits for residents of Montmartre," Van Mulligen said. "Our government is focused on making life better for Saskatchewan families, and funding vital infrastructure projects like this one helps us achieve that goal."
"Canada's New Government is getting things done for the Village of Montmartre by investing in clean and accessible drinking water," Scheer said. "This joint investment will provide Montmartre with modern amenities that will help build a healthy and prosperous community."
"We appreciate the confirmation by the provincial and federal governments of MRIF funding for a much needed Waterworks Upgrade for Montmartre," Montmartre Mayor Calvin D. Abrahamson said. "As a village of 450 people, we have had a record number of inquires and sales of land and the current well and water plant will not continue to meet future demands. The new well and water plant upgrades will provide long-term superior and safe drinking water."
Under the initial MRIF Agreement, the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $76 million to the fund, with participating communities contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment above $152 million. This year, Canada's New Government and the Government of Saskatchewan have provided an additional $14.9 million to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.
These projects are an example of how MRIF is supporting a stronger, safer and better province through infrastructure projects that provide cleaner air and water, a stronger economy and a better quality of life for our communities.
Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).
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For more information, contact:
Brenda Tarasiuk
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5943
Tyler McMurchy
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Cell: 306-537-7051