Saskatchewan adds $2B to capital program, including highways

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on Wednesday announced a major boost to the province’s capital investment plans, to help launch an economic recovery and get people back to work.

Moe said $2 billion will be added to the current capital program over the next two years, taking it to $7.5 billion. The additional $2 billion in stimulus includes $300 million for highways.

The province underscored its intent to see the work is done by local workers, to assist local communities.

The $2-billion injection is allocated as follows:

• Approximately $1.37 billion for large infrastructure projects, including $103 million for health and $110.5 million for education, with additional allocations to be announced at a later date.  SaskBuilds will provide oversight as well as project management and procurement expertise.  Design, engineering, architecture, construction and project management costs are included in this total with the goal of ensuring projects are shovel ready by 2021-22.
• More than $300 million for highway projects for thin membrane surface upgrades, passing lanes including $46 million for upgrades to municipal roads and airports.
• Approximately $181 million for renewal projects to reduce deferred maintenance on provincial and third-party assets and reduce operating costs through energy efficiency.  This includes $100 million for health and $25.9 million for education, with the remainder addressing priority projects in various other ministries and agencies.
• $150 million in a per capita payment through a new Municipal Economic Enhancement Program to support infrastructure projects in communities across the province.

In early April, Alberta also announced a $2-billion stimulus, by accelerating its 2020-23 capital plan. That doubles the funds for maintenance and renewal this year and includes $410 million transportation projects, some $60 million for operating, such as potholes.

To read the Saskatchewan news release click here.