Released on February 28, 2014
Highway 39 has been identified as a priority to receive funding under the Major Infrastructure Component of the 2007 Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF - MIC). Sections of the highway northwest of Estevan to northwest of Macoun will be repaved and four intersections improved thanks to an investment of $9,206,050, including up to $4,411,129 from the federal government.
The project is one of four highway projects announced today that will see more than 100 kilometres of the Core National Highway System in the province of Saskatchewan improved. The Government of Canada is setting aside up to 50 per cent of total eligible costs for each project, to a maximum of $16,550,929 for the four projects, with the provincial government committing an additional $18,555,121.
"Highway 39 is essential to the economic vitality of Estevan and is also an important north-south trade route to the United States,” said Ed Komarnicki MP for Souris-Mouse Mountain, on behalf Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. "Our government is proud to invest in this initiative which will improve travel and safety for users of this portion of Highway 39. Our infrastructure investments strengthen communities and are an important driver of economic growth and job creation here in Saskatchewan and across Canada.”
"We are happy to work with the Government of Canada on this important repaving project,” Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles said on behalf of Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris. "Highway 39 provides a vital trade and tourism route to the United States, and the improved stretch between Estevan and Macoun will benefit shippers, tourists and area residents alike.”
Quick Facts:
- Highway 39 connects to Saskatchewan’s busiest border crossing, and the area set for repaving carries approximately 3,880 vehicles per day. Highway 39 is a north-south trade route and tourist corridor to the U.S. through North Portal.
- The four highway projects announced today are made possible because the province of Saskatchewan identified cost savings of approximately $16.5 million on two previously approved BCF – MIC highway projects: the Highway 11 twinning from south of Hague to north of Mcdowell, as well as the Highway 1 and Lewvan Drive Interchange. Both projects were completed under budget, allowing funds to be reallocated to other priorities identified by the province.
- Federal financial support is conditional on the timely negotiation of a contribution agreement between the province of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada.
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For more information, contact:
Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Government of Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-943-1838