Trucking approves as Saskatchewan promises to invest heavily in infrastructure

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REGINA, Sask. — The Saskatchewan government earned a toot of the horn from the province’s trucking industry today, after introducing a budget that’s heavy in infrastructure spending.

Highways Minister Nancy Heppner said her department would invest $842 million into infrastructure, a 27% increase over last year’s budget, marking the highest-ever spending level in the history of the department.

“Saskatchewan residents expect government to live within its means and balance the budget…achieving these goals requires trade-offs, sometimes difficult trade-offs, but we believe this year’s budget strikes the right balance,” Heppner said.

She said investments will be targeted at: supporting trade and investment; supporting safety; improving quality of life; and efficiently managing the transportation system.

Highlights for the trucking industry include: $7.5 million for overpasses at Warman and Martensville; $43.2 million for highway twinning; $6.8 million for construction of passing lanes; $15 million for flood repairs; $73.9 million for upgrades to rural roads; $46.2 million for bridge and culvert upgrades; $56.3 million for investments in Northern Saskatchewan; and $211 million to begin Phase 1 construction of the Regina Bypass.

“Our industry continues to be encouraged by the spending priorities this government places on highways and infrastructure. We sincerely believe the provincial government understand the critical role truck transport plays in Saskatchewan’s economy,” said Nicole Sinclair, a spokesperson for the STA. “It’s great to see spending on highways and infrastructure projects now considered an investment, rather than an expense.”

 

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