Saskatchewan challenges Alberta to build its half of permanent Fort McMurray-La Loche road

The Saskatchewan government is calling on Alberta to commit to building itsportion of an all-weather road connecting Fort McMurraytoLa Loche.

The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan signed an agreement to complete apermanent110-kilometre roadin2005.

Currently the roadis only passable in winter.

"Saskatchewan has been working diligently," Premier ScottMoe said this week.Theprovince has completed 44of 53 kilometres of road.

"What we have done here today is committed to the final nine kilometres," Moe said Tuesday.So far Saskatchewan has spent about $6 million on the road, hesaid.

Many people in the north work in Fort McMurray and this would allow for easier ground access, Moe said.

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"It allows us to share that labour pool more and provide jobs for everyone in a more ready fashion, and more accessible than what we have today," he said.

With new mining ventures coming in on the Saskatchewan side, the road would give workers in eithercommunitybetter accessibilityto the neighbouring province.

"It's been too slow, admittedly, on both sides of the border," Moe said.

Moe sent a letter to Premier Jason Kenneyasking him to commit to buildingAlberta's segmentof the road.

"I haven't heard back as of yet, but I'm sure we'll have discussions about it in the days ahead," Moe said.

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Kenney's press secretary Justin Brattingasaid in an email,"We're currently examining the proposal from Premier Moe and will be providing a response soon."

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalomanages Alberta's half of the winter road, about57 kilometres.

Kevin Weidlich, president and CEO of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism, said he was "delighted" to hear about Moe'scommitment.

"It's a long time in the works," Weidlich said."One of the great issues that Fort McMurray struggles with, is it's generally at the end of a very long highway."

He said this road would connect the town to another northern town, making it more interesting for investors and businesses.

"It draws potential employees and people that would be willing to spend money, shop or work in Fort McMurray."

It would also allow those in northern Saskatchewan to access the Fort McMurray airport.

Weidlich said he would encourage the Alberta government to make a commitment to investing in infrastructure in the region, including other projects.

"The more the province invests in the region in terms of infrastructure, the greater the payoff in economic impact for the entire province," Weidlich said.

Coun. Keith McGrath has been an advocate for infrastructure projects in Fort McMurray for years, and in November he put forward a bylaw to create a Regional Transportation Committee.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is on the right track," McGrathsaid."It's about linking people to jobs and industry, healthcare professionals, education."