Saskatchewan seeking feds’ help with infrastructure projects

The Saskatchewan government is asking for more than $234 million in funding from the federal government to help with 126 infrastructure projects in the province.

In a media release, the provincial government said it had recommended the projects to the feds for final approval under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

The province is putting up nearly $193 million for the projects, with the applicants providing more than $165 million.

The projects range in cost from $21,286 for reclamation of the dump site in the Resort Village of Lumsden Beach to more than $222 million for a renewal of the Buffalo Pound water plant.

“The faster we can move these projects forward, the faster communities, businesses and families will benefit from them,” Lori Carr, Saskatchewan’s government relations minister, said in the release.

“Once completed, the legacy of these projects will improve quality of life and make our great province an even better place to call home. The provincial government encourages its federal counterparts to work as quickly as possible and approve these projects.”

The applications were submitted between June and September. The province said it will accept more proposals later this fall.

Premier Scott Moe pushed for the federal funding in a letter he wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday.

The province has received more than $896 million in ICIP funding from the federal government over 10 years.