Short line rail infrastructure in Saskatchewan will see an increased investment for the upcoming year.
Highways Minister David Marit announced the allocations of $1 million in short line rail infrastructure investments, an increase of $470,000 or 88 per cent from last year’s budget. The Saskatchewan Government is because of the key role rail transportation plays supporting Saskatchewan's export-based economy.
Wheatland Rail, located in the Wakaw and Cudworth area was among the recipients and will receive $45,000.
"Short line railways are an integral link that help move our commodities to markets around the world," Marit said in a release. "They support Saskatchewan's export-based economy that sustains our quality of life. Short lines are a safe and efficient way to move bulk commodities, which reduces wear and tear on Saskatchewan highways.”
Ministry of Highways' Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP) funding will be used for track upgrades and expansion, improved crossing surfaces and sightlines, bridge maintenance, track rehabilitations and other projects.
SRIP is a 50-50 cost-sharing program between the provincial government ($1 million) and privately-owned short lines ($1 million) for eligible projects, the total short line rail infrastructure investment will be up to $2 million this year under this program.
The provincial grants provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs and are determined by how much track each short line owns.
Short lines with less than 80 kilometres of track receive at least $45,000. Larger networks receive a proportional amount based on how much track they operate on.
Thirteen provincially regulated short line railways operate on 2,123 kilometres of track in Saskatchewan
Full list of recipients is listed below:
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Big Sky Rail (Delisle, Eston, Elrose region) $167,541.
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Carlton Trail Railway (Saskatoon to Prince Albert area) $71,391.
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Great Sandhills Railway (Swift Current to Leader area) $82,945.
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Great Western Railway (Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area) $250,073.
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Last Mountain Railway (Regina to Davidson) $56,122.
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Long Creek Railroad (west of Estevan) $45,000.
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Northern Lights Rail (west of Melfort) $45,000.
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Red Coat Road and Rail (Ogema area) $47,456.
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Southern Rails Cooperative (south of Moose Jaw) $45,000.
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Stewart Southern Railway (southwest of Regina to Stoughton) $54,471.
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Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) $45,000.
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Torch River Rail (Nipawin to Choiceland area) $45,000.
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Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) $45,000.