Feds fund two short-line railways in Sask.

The federal government is hoping two short-line railways in Saskatchewan can help those in the province’s agricultural and energy sectors get their products to port better.

On Friday, Ralph Goodale — the federal minister of public safety and emergency preparedness — announced $12.4 million in federal funding for projects planned by the Great Sandhills Railway.

One project will be in Leader, with the other in Unity.

“We are thrilled to see that the federal government recognizes the critical role that short-line railways play in Canada’s export system,” Perry Pellerin, president of the Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association (WCSLRA), said in a media release.

“The total investment in these communities totals over $25 million and will accelerate local economies for decades to come.”

Goodale, who made the announcement on behalf of Transport Minister Marc Garneau, said the two projects “will enhance rail capacity, reduce bottlenecks and increase competition by offering shippers access to two railways.”

The project in Leader is to upgrade the track of the Great Sandhills Railway between Burstall and the Canadian Pacific main line outside of Swift Current.

The project also will see the number of trips on the line increase to once a day from twice a week, with hopes of reducing blockages on the Canadian Pacific line.

The Unity project aims to reduce congestion on the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific tracks between Saskatoon and Edmonton.

Three loop tracks and a repair shop at the North West Terminal outside Unity are to be built to improve flow and access to both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific lines.

The federal government believes the projects will create 300 jobs in the region during construction.

“I am pleased that this important project is going ahead,” Goodale said in a media release. “Transportation and distribution of goods are a vital part of our local, regional and national economies.

“These improvements will increase transportation options for the community, help businesses get more products to market, and create quality jobs.”