The Saskatchewan government has announced an additional $500,000 for its Water Control Assistance Program. With this 60 per cent increase in grant funding, rural municipalities and conservation authorities can now access more than $1.2 million in grant funding for 2013-14 to help maintain drainage channels and flood protection works.
Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff made the announcement while speaking at the Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association conference where conservation area authorities and watershed associations from across the province gathered to discuss water management and infrastructure.
“Saskatchewan is likely to see significant spring runoff in 2013 and this government is committed to supporting our communities build and maintain permanent mitigation projects that will serve them for years to come,” Cheveldayoff said in a release. “The last few years have shown the value of this type of water infrastructure to help communities move excess water without flooding downstream neighbours.”
The Water Control Program also provides support for channel clearing and erosion control. In 2012, the Water Control Assistance Program helped more than110 rural municipalities and nine conservation and development area authorities.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan.
