REGINA, Sask. — Highways and transportation were priorities when developing Saskatchewan’s provincial budget which was unveiled yesterday, the province’s governing body announced.

A record $513 million will be spent on the province’s highways and transportation system, Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said.

“Transportation infrastructure is essential to support and sustain our economic momentum,” announced Elhard. “Enabling Saskatchewan people, and goods, to move easily and safely throughout the province is vital. In this budget, we are ensuring the province is ready for growth, by making numerous, significant commitments to building and repairing our roads and highways.”

The province pointed out the $513 million investment is equivalent to 140% of the revenue generated by provincial fuel taxes.

Some of the highlights for the trucking industry include: the completion of twinning Highways 1 and 16; the upgrading and expansion of TMS highways and the expansion of access to primary weights on rural highways; the resurfacing of provincial highways; and assistance for municipalities to improve municipal roads impacted by heavy hauls required by the oil and gas industry.

“We are very eager to proceed with our plans to develop an infrastructure network that meets the challenges of rapid economic growth and prosperity, and that will allow us to sustain our economic momentum into the future,” Elhard said.