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The Province has announced this year's funding allocations under Saskatchewan's Short Line Railway Improvement Program.
Saskatchewan has 13 short line railways operating on 2,123 kilometres of track.
This year $530,000 will be split between the short-line railways based on the cost of their project, and the amount of track each shortline owns with the lines with more tracks receiving more money.
The money will be used for track upgrades and expansion, improved crossing surfaces and sightlines, bridge maintenance, track rehabilitations and other projects.
SRIP allocations for 2024-25 and their operating locations are:
- Big Sky Rail, Delisle (Eston, Elrose region) $87,035
- Carlton Trail Railway (Saskatoon to Prince Albert area) $37,515
- Great Sandhills Railway (Swift Current to Leader area) $43,089
- Great Western Railway (Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area) $129,909
- Last Mountain Railway (Regina to Davidson) $29,155
- Long Creek Railroad (west of Estevan) $25,000
- Northern Lights Rail (west of Melfort) $25,000
- Red Coat Road and Rail (Ogema area) $25,000
- Southern Rails Cooperative (south of Moose Jaw) $25,000
- Stewart Southern Railway (southwest of Regina to Stoughton) $28,297
- Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) $25,000
- Torch River Rail (Nipawin to Choiceland area) $25,000
- Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) $25,000
Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association President Andrew Glastetter says by investing in continuous improvements to our tracks, Saskatchewan short line railways ensure that rail is a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation option for agricultural producers, industrial facilities, and Saskatchewan businesses of all sizes.
"Many short line railways are community owned, and serve rural communities, while also playing a vital role in the overall supply chain. Short line railways have a positive impact on highways infrastructure, the environment, and rural economies, while transporting freight on infrastructure that is primarily maintained and funded privately.