Saskatchewan short lines receive provincial grants

REGINA, Saskatchewan — Thirteen railroads will receive a total of C$530,000 in provincial funding under Saskatchewan’s Short Line Railway Improvement Program, as announced Friday by Highways Minister Lori Carr.

“Short line railways play an important role in getting Saskatchewan’s food, fuel and fertilizer on their journeys to worldwide markets, which helps keep our export-based economy strong to sustain our quality of life,” Carr said in the funding announcement. “We are proud to invest in this transportation sector as it is essential to keeping our great and growing province strong.”

The provincial grants provide up to 50% of costs for eligible projects, which include track upgrades and expansion, improvements of grade crossings and sightlines, bridge maintenance, and track rehabilitation. Funding is based on the amount of track of each railway; those with less than 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) receive $25,000; larger lines receive funding based on how much track they own. Saskatchewan’s 13 short lines operate a total of 2,123 kilometers (1,319 miles) of ttrack.

Railways receiving funding, with the areas they operate, include:

— Great Western Railway (Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area) $129,909;

— Big Sky Rail, Delisle (Eston, Elrose region) $87,035;

— Great Sandhills Railway (Swift Current to Leader area) $43,089;

— Carlton Trail Railway (Saskatoon to Prince Albert area) $37,515;

— Last Mountain Railway (Regina to Davidson) $29,155;

— Stewart Southern Railway (southwest of Regina to Stoughton) $28,297;

— 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 ;

— Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) $25,000;

— Torch River Rail (Nipawin to Choiceland area) $25,000;

— Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) $25,000.

“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,” Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association President Andrew Glastetter said. “Many short line railways are community owned, and serve rural communities, while also playing a vital role in the overall supply chain.”

 — Updated April 7 at 1:35 p.m. CT to correct error on minimum dollar figure in article.