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LANIGAN, SASKATCHEWAN -- (Marketwire) -- 01/10/13 -- Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for nine projects throughout central Saskatchewan under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Yelich. "By improving our community facilities, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians."

Federal funding of more than $160,000 will benefit local residents with improvements to public buildings. The projects include upgrades to the Lanigan Recreation Complex, Allan and District Communiplex, Viscount Community Centre, Hanley Curling Club, RM of Usborne J. Eldon Bergey Community Centre, Colonsay and District Sports Centre, and Strongfield Hall and Rink, as well as renovations to the Watrous Arts Council gallery and Sun West School Division's Kenaston School gymnasium.

"The Lanigan Recreation Complex has been a place to meet and participate in sport, culture and recreation," said Lanigan Mayor Andrew Cebryk. "We welcome and appreciate this investment from the Government of Canada and Western Economic Diversification."

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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Backgrounder

Nine CIIF projects are set to take place across Central Saskatchewan. Funding is allocated follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------Funding Recipient  Project                                Federal Total Cost                                                     Contribution                                                           (CIIF)----------------------------------------------------------------------------Town of Allan      Upgrades to the Allan and District     $15,150    $30,300                    Communiplex curling rink.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Town of Colonsay   Colonsay and District Sports           $26,498    $52,996                    Centre upgrades to improve energy                    efficiency and increase safety.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Town of Hanley     Replace header and main pipe at         $8,150    $16,300                    the Hanley Curling Club.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Town of Lanigan    New lighting and roof improvements     $24,650    $49,300                    at Lanigan's Recreation Complex.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Village of         Air conditioner for the                 $5,150    $10,300 Strongfield        Strongfield Hall and Rink.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Sun West School    New gymnasium floor, backboards        $30,300   $110,600 Division           and safety drop curtain at the                    Sun West School Division                    Kenaston.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Rural Municipality Upgrades to the JEB Community          $31,375    $62,750 (RM) of Usborne    Center to improve energy No. 310            efficiency and accessibility.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Town of Viscount   New lighting and flooring at the        $9,850    $19,700                    Viscount Community Centre.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Watrous and Area   Watrous Arts Council Gallery           $11,611    $23,223 Arts Council       upgrades to improve energy                    efficiency.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Total:                                                   $162,734   $375,469----------------------------------------------------------------------------