(Saskatchewan Railroads/Facebook)

By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan Short Line Railways

Short lines receive funding from the Saskatchewan Government

Jun 16, 2023 | 4:46 PM

Short line railway companies are on track to receive grants from the Saskatchewan Government.

The Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP) will provide $530,000 to go towards track upgrades and expansion, improved crossing surfaces and sightlines, bridge maintenance, and track rehabilitations.

Saskatchewan Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the short line rail industry plays an important role in the provincial economy by transporting agricultural goods and a multitude of other products across the province.

“Our commitment to this program ensures ongoing provision of grants to short lines, empowering them to enhance their tracks through upgrades and expansion projects,” Cockrill said.

Grants are determined based on how much track each short line owns. Small networks with less than 80 kilometres of track receive at least $25,000. The 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.

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Thunder Rail, Torch River Rail, Northern Lights Rail, Southern Rails Cooperative, Long Creek Railroad, Wheatland Rail, and the Red Coat Road & Rail will each receive $25,000.

The Stewart Southern Railway gets $28,297, Last Mountain Railway receives $29,155, while Carlton Trail Railway was awarded $37,515.

Roughly $43,000 goes to Great Sandhills Railway, Big Sky Rail acquires $87,035, while Great Western Railway receives $129,909.

Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association Director of Communication and Government Relations Rachel Mackenzie said the SRIP grants go to support more efficient operations.

“Improving infrastructure ensures safe and efficient rail service for our members in Saskatchewan which is critical to support exporters of agricultural and other commodities,” she said.

There are 13 provincially regulated short line railways in Saskatchewan that operate on 2,123 kilometres of track, primarily transporting grain.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW