Saskatchewan program to help fund track upgrades for short lines

The Shortline Railway Sustainability Program (SRSP) will provide $900,000 in grants (in Canadian dollars) to 13 Saskatchewan short lines to make rail infrastructure improvements, Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure announced last week.

The grants are matched by each short line, which means at least $1.8 million will be invested in the short lines' track projects this year, ministry officials said in a press release.

"Short lines provide an efficient connection to mainline rail which benefits the rural economy," said Nancy Heppner, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Grain Car Corp. "This grant improves service to our export-based economy and removes trucks from our highway system."

Funded by the Saskatchewan Grain Car Corp., the grants cover projects such as track upgrades, track roadbed stabilization and bridge repairs. The program has provided $5.6 million in grants since 2008.