The government is making $500,000 available for support
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The Saskatchewan government unveiled a cost-sharing program to help rural communities replace existing infrastructure.
The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Infrastructure Crossing Replacement Program sets aside a total of $500,000 for RMs and irrigation districts to replace bridges or culverts that cross WSA channels.
A list of water conveyance and flood controls in the province can be found here.
The costs will be shared at a 50/50 rate.
“As replacement costs for infrastructure continue to rise, WSA is partnering with RMs and irrigators to alleviate the financial impact of replacement, all while safeguarding provincial infrastructure and protecting our communities,” Jeremy Cockrill, the minister responsible for the WSA, said in a statement.
The WSA will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and there’s no deadline. The pilot program will end once all the funds are allocated.
And supporting documentation may be required.
If seeking reimbursement for engineering, surveys and studies, an Engineer’s Professional Services Agreement may be needed.
Cost sharing on maintenance works or repairs is not eligible for the program. Only projects for replacement are eligible.
The organization representing Saskatchewan’s rural communities is appreciative of the program and the opportunities it provides.
“Thanks to a grant from the WSA Infrastructure Crossing Replacement Program, an RM can not only complete a bridge or culvert project, but the money saved can be used for other critical infrastructure,” Ray Orb, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, said in a statement.