Estevan MLA Lori Carr is optimistic about the recent release of the Saskatchewan’s 2016 provincial budget. Between the lack of tax increases and the financial support that is going towards infrastructure improvements in the Estevan area, she believes the budget entails substantial funding, and is a step in the right direction.
“I think it’s a good news budget. There being absolutely no tax increases is good for everybody involved. The government is going to really try and control their operational spending,” said Carr, in a call with the Mercury last week. “This is a great budget for what’s happening in the economy. The province is down about a billion dollars because of the low price of oil and potash. So, for us to be still investing in Saskatchewan like we are, this is good news for the province.”
Carr said that one thing she is particularly glad to see is the continuation of municipal revenue sharing. Through that sharing, the City of Estevan will receive $2.4 million from the provincial government.
“We’ve also got the highway work that’s going to take place within and around the city,” added Carr. “There is about $20 million invested in that, and it’s going to include the bridge replacement on Highway 18, over the Souris River. There’s also going to be a bridge being replaced, on Highway 39, east of Estevan, and the twinning that’s taking place between Estevan and Bienfait.”
Carr said that, hopefully, the infrastructure projects in planned for Estevan will create jobs in the area for people who may be struggling to find work in light of current economic conditions.
Another investment to expect in the Estevan area is the construction of passing lanes on Highways 6 and 39, from Estevan to Regina. Carr noted that the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is still doing work on determining the viability and necessity of twinning those highways. In the meantime, passing lanes will be created at points with low traffic volumes on those highways, she noted.
“They’re in a pre-construction phase right now. They’re going to determine the best options,” said Carr. “It’s a short-term solution, right now. They’ll continue to monitor the road, and determine when, and if, it will be twinned, going on. They’re still looking at their options.”
