By Mitchell Blair
May 10, 2021 | 11:51 AM
Good news for rural Saskatchewan as the government says 69 rural municipalities will see $25.7 million dollars coming their way in funding from the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program.
This program helps RMs with the cost of constructing and upgrading their infrastructure, which in turn helps support local industries like agriculture, energy and forestry. The RIRG grants cover up to 50 per cent of each project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.
“The announcement of expanded financial support for rural road infrastructure is greatly appreciated,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said in a release. “Economic recovery and funding to stimulate the provincial economy remains critical and this increased funding ensures our rural municipalities can contribute by investing in rural infrastructure that is supporting Saskatchewan’s rural-based industries.”
Prince Albert Daily Herald
Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw speaks following an announcement by the federal government to fund improvements to 50 km of Highway 55. (Peter Lozinski/Daily Herald)
On Monday the Government of Saskatchewan announced the allocations of funding through its Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program. Phase three, which is taking place during the 2021-22 budget year, will see 69 rural municipalities (RMs) receive $25.7 million in RIRG funding.
“The ministry has seen an engaged and enthusiastic response to the RIRG program,” Highways Minister and Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw said in a release.
“This targeted effort improves the safety and quality of our rural infrastructure, strengthens partnerships with Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, our rural municipalities and creates another outlet to aid the province’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Article content
A total of 69 rural municipalities will receive funding this budget year to look after their roads.
On Monday, the province announced it was continuing its investment into road improvement through the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program. Phase three, which is to take place during the 2021-22 budget year, is to see $25.7 million in RIRG funding funnelled into RMs.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or RMs receive funding for rural road improvements Back to video
RIRG is intended to help RMs cover the cost of constructing and upgrading their infrastructure, which in turn helps to support local industries like agriculture, energy and forestry. The RIRG grants cover up to 50 per cent of each project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is overall pleased with the federal government’s 2021 budget. SARM highlighted the proposed addition of $1 billion for improving . . .
This is in addition to the $1.75 billion already promised by the federal government s November fiscal update, bringing the total to $2.75 billion by 2026. SARM is eager to see high-speed broadband in 98 per cent of the country by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030, including rural Saskatchewan. SARM is also pleased with the proposed investment of $1.9 billion (over four years) to recapitalize the National Trade Corridors Fund. This funding could attract approximately $2.7 billion from private and other public sector partners, resulting in total investments of $4.6 billion and spurring investments in much-needed enhancements to our roads, rail, and shipping routes, building long-term resilience for the Canadian economy, and supporting internal trade.