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Yesterday, the province of Saskatchewan announced plans to provide about $500,000 in grants to nine short lines to improve rail infrastructure, such as track and bridge repairs, and tie replacements.

The grants will be provided through the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure's Shortline Railway Sustainability Program, which was launched in 2008 to provide funding support for Saskatchewan’s 10 short lines. The provincial grants will be matched by the railroads.

The grants include:
• $176,811 to Great Western Railway;
• $66,660 to Great Sandhills Railway;
• $60,957 to Carlton Trail Railway;
• $40,994 to Red Coat Road and Rail;
• $34,578 to Fife Lake Railway;
• $30,000 to Southern Rails Co-operative;
• $30,000 to Thunder Rail;
• $30,000 to Wheatland Rail; and
• $30,000 to Torch River Rail.

“These railways contribute to reducing truck traffic congestion and related road wear,” said Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter in a prepared statement.