(Submitted/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Cam Lee

Short line investment

Province announces short line railway funding

Apr 5, 2024 | 4:53 PM

The provincial government is providing $530,000 in provincial funding for short line rail investments across Saskatchewan.

Several local railways will see allocations from the government’s Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP) in 2024-25.

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

• Northern Lights Rail (west of Melfort) $25,000

• Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) $25,000

Remembering Barrie Jung

Mourning the loss of legendary local auctioneer, volunteer, and friend Barrie Jung

33m ago

Leaving a Legacy

Remembering Ray Mitsuing: A CPCA legend on and off the track

2h ago

Seniors Scene

An Encounter of a Quillie Kind

2h ago

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

• Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) $25,000

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

• 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

• 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

The province says the funding will help with track upgrades and expansion, improved crossing surfaces and sightlines, bridge maintenance, track rehabilitation, and more.

“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,” Minister of Highways Lori Carr said in a government news release. “We are proud to invest in this transportation sector as it is essential to keeping our great and growing province strong.”

Networks with less than 80 kilometres of track receive at least $25,000, while larger networks receive a proportional amount based on how much track they operate. Provincial grants provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs and are determined based on how much track each short line owns.

“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 in the news release. “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. The Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association expresses our appreciation to the Government of Saskatchewan for their renewed funding of the Short Line Railway Improvement Program and for their support of the short line railway industry and rail access opportunities for businesses across Saskatchewan.”

The province’s 13 rail lines operate on over 2100 kilometres of track.

–

Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK