ESTEVAN - A couple of infrastructure projects in the RM of Estevan are now finished.
The RM recently received two federal grants through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), formerly Western Economic Diversification Canada, to support the expansion of current businesses and the attraction of new companies for the RM.
In a news release from the Southeast Sask. Economic Partnership (SSEP), it was noted that PrairiesCan provides targeted funding investments that build on regional strengths and encourage innovation in communities in southeast Saskatchewan.
The Airport Road paving project was awarded $2,642,304 while the Kensington Avenue North project received $1,348,519.
“I am excited and grateful for the two recently-completed paving projects in the RM of Estevan,” said Steve Smith, vice-chair of the newly-formed SSEP and councillor for Division 6 in the RM of Estevan.
“Kensington North to the bypass will add attraction to future economic development along this corridor, leading from the bypass in the RM and into the City of Estevan. Both the RM and city and ratepayers will benefit from this project being completed.”
The paving of a portion of Grid Road 704 east of Highway 47 to just east of the turn into the Estevan Regional Airport will also add attraction to future economic development, he said, and provide access to and from the airport to present and future visitors.
The RM will see a reduction in maintenance costs for both of these roads, benefitting all ratepayers in the RM, as well providing a safer and higher-quality travelling surface.
Smith expressed his gratitude to the SSEP group overall, RM of Estevan engineering services manager Billy Fowler, and to RM of Estevan administrator Michelle Dickie, who Smith said was the driving force behind submitting and managing the successful financial contributions that covered the total cost of the completion of both of these higher-profile projects.
ASL was the contractor and local company Turnbull Excavating Ltd. was the sub-contractor.
