A one-time grant of $40,000 is going towards improving and managing air quality data.
The grant goes towards the Western Yellowhead Air Management Zone, which stretches from east of Saskatoon to Lloydminster and from north of Meadow Lake south to Rosetown, which includes the Battlefords.
The WTAMZ will use the funding to manage and improve its established monitoring program that includes real-time air quality data and public access to all data.
Already the WYAMZ received $200,000 in matching funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada to purchase four real time air quality monitors also known as air pointers. Those are located at Meadow Lake, Unity, Maidstone and Kindersley and live air quality and weather conditions now are available online from those locations.
The WYAMZ is one of two non-profit associations currently active in running an air management zone in the province. The Southeast Air Zone is also active and stakeholders are working to establish a third zone that would encompass Regina, Moose Jaw and Yorkton.
In a statement announcing the funding, provincial environment minister Ken Cheveldayoff said sustaining excellent air quality "is a priority for the government of Saskatchewan, and we are committed to the development of air management zones to support that priority."
"Air management zones play an important role in protecting our environment and contributing to a better quality of life. They bring together the public, government, industry and other organizations to monitor air quality and find solutions to keep our air clean."
In a statement WYAMZ executive director Terry Gibson welcomed the funding.
"The Western Yellowhead Air Management Zone sincerely appreciates the support of the Ministry of Environment to assist us in the servicing, maintenance and calibration of the four new air pointers in the WYAMZ region," said Gibson.
"The air pointers are now installed and operational and will greatly contribute to protecting Saskatchewan's environment."
