No. H119/02For release - November 1, 2002
NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK — Transport Minister David Collenette, and Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and Transportation Mark Wartman today announced the completion of a project that twinned a portion of Highway 16 through Lashburn, Saskatchewan and the opening of approach roads to a new bridge in North Battleford. The projects were funded under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP).
"The Government of Canada's $6.45 million contribution to these projects has led to improvements that will enhance safety and improve the flow of traffic in Saskatchewan, and help strengthen the National Highway System," said Mr. Collenette.
Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway, is the northern east-west transportation corridor across Western Canada. Approximately 3,000 vehicles a day use the western section of Highway 16 in Saskatchewan.
Under SHIP, the two governments have contributed $5.5 million towards the twinning of approximately three kilometres of Highway 16 through Lashburn, as well as the construction of connecting roads and new intersections. Both governments have contributed $7.4 million under SHIP, towards the twinning and improvement of the approach roads to the new bridge over the North Saskatchewan River at North Battleford.
"The funding provided for these two important twinning initiatives is an important first step in twinning our National Highway System as outlined in the provincial government's three-year strategic plan," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said.
Under the SHIP agreement, the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan will provide joint funding of $37 million over the next four years for highway improvement projects in the province. The Saskatchewan SHIP agreement, signed January 24, 2002, is part of the national $600 million SHIP program announced by Mr. Collenette in April 2001.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
A backgrounder with further information on SHIP is attached.
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Contacts:
Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Vanessa Gooliaff BeaupréCommunicationsSaskatchewan Highways and Transportation(306) 787-4792Cell (306) 536-2497
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BACKGROUNDER
STRATEGIC HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM - SASKATCHEWAN
In the February 2000 Budget Speech, the Government of Canada committed to improve the economy and the quality of life for Canadians by investing up to $600 million over four years in highway infrastructure across Canada. In April 2001, Transport Minister David Collenette announced the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP). The program has two components: a $500 million highway construction component and a $100 million national system integration component.
Under the program, $500 million, including $15 million for administrative costs, will be available to address the needs of Canada's highways until March 2006. The program formally begins in fiscal year 2002-2003. The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories to identify those parts of the national highway system that - because of growing traffic and increasing trade - need immediate attention. This will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.
An allocation formula has been developed to distribute the $485 million available to the provinces and territories under SHIP. The formula consists of a minimum of $4 million per jurisdiction plus a share based on population and a 50-50 cost-sharing ratio. Under this formula, the total federal allocation for the Province of Saskatchewan is $18.5 million. Under the previous joint highway funding agreements from 1987-1997, Transport Canada contributed $45.9 million to Saskatchewan. This brings the total funding from Transport Canada to $64.4 million.
The Highway 16 projects in Lashburn and North Battleford were the first two projects constructed under SHIP in Saskatchewan. Additional projects using the remainder of Saskatchewan SHIP funding will be chosen and announced in the future.
SHIP will also provide $100 million nationally to fund initiatives which better integrate the transportation system. These include the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems across Canada, improvements to border crossings and better transportation planning. Intelligent Transportation Systems include applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety.
November 2002
