Premier Scott Moe announced Friday that the provincial government is investing $10 million to support the communities of Estevan and Coronach in transitioning from coal-based industries.

Moe says that the government wants to make sure that the area can move to cleaner energy sources.

“This situation was unfortunately imposed on Saskatchewan much earlier than planned by new federal regulations,” said Moe. “This provincial funding will help advance economic development and diversification opportunities, while demonstrating our commitment to these impacted communities.”

The City of Estevan will receive $8 million and Coronach will receive $2 million. The funding will be provided to the communities with expectations that they will partner with surrounding communities to allocate necessary funding for regional initiatives.

Federal regulations currently require all coal-fired power stations to be decommissioned after 50 years of operation, or to close by 2030, whichever comes first.

These regulations will impact three power stations and several mines, employing hundreds of people in southeastern Saskatchewan.