The federal government has announced an investment into southern Saskatchewan communities affected with job losses due to the coal phase-out.

$1.3 million is going to projects based in Coronach and Estevan, marking the first time the province has been presented with these types of funds from the $4.5 million Canada Coal Transition Initiative.

Most of the money from the initiative will help projects in Alberta.

According to the announcement, the funds are meant to help with programs aimed at training, clean energy projects and business development.

The two Saskatchewan communities receiving money during this transition period will be hit hardest with coal mines in their regions shutting down.

In Estevan, the money will be split between areas such as the city ($260,000), Southeast Regional College ($188,000) and other organizations to help with the transition over the next few years. The town of Coronach will have $320,000 to work with as part of their plan to move away from coal.

The government has already announced the closure of conventional coal-fired power plants by 2030 which will result in hundreds of jobs being lost and have an impact on the economy for the municipalities.