First gas tax instalment of 2018-19 arrives

The Saskatchewan Legislature is shown. © Submitted photo

The first of two gas tax fund instalments has been delivered from the federal to the provincial government.

In total, Saskatchewan will be provided with more than $61.9 million for the 2018-19 fiscal year, in two instalments.

The fund is a long-term, indexed source of funding supporting local infrastructure projects across the province. In Saskatchewan, planned projects include the installation of culverts, in the RM of Pleasantdale, a new skating arena in the Town of Assiniboia and the expansion of a water treatment plant reservoir in the Town of Strasbourg. There are 18 categories eligible for funding under the program, including roads and bridges, sports infrastructure and drinking water, a joint press release from the federal and provincial governments said.

“Local governments know best what their communities need and the Government of Canada is proud to deliver stable, long-term funding that they count on to develop and maintain their public infrastructure,” Minister of Infrastructure and Communities François-Philippe Champagne said in the press release.

“By investing in our communities, the Government of Canada is promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability, strengthening the middle class and helping ensure all Canadians have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a role in administering the federal Gas Tax Fund program, which invests in municipalities across our great province,” Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding said.

“This federal funding allows local governments to put infrastructure funding toward projects to best serve their communities and citizens.”

Prince Albert will receive $2,199,075 in total across the two instalments. Funding is allocated proportionally based on population as recorded in the 2016 census.

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