REGINA – Rural roads in Saskatchewan are getting a funding boost this week with more money from the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program
At an announcement at the office of Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities in Regina the Government of Saskatchewan and SARM confirmed there will be $16.8 million in funding going to 13 rural road projects this construction season.
According to the province, under the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program the Ministry of Highways will invest more than $5.3 million toward the projects. The rural municipalities will fund the remaining $11.5 million.
The projects range in value from $384,047 in the RM of Mount Hope, to $5.8 million in the RM of Eldon. Two other projects in the RM of Brock and the RM of Manitou Lake are estimated at 1.5 million.
Seven projects are receiving the maximum allocation amount of $500,000 from the province. The province is funding up to 50 per cent per project up to a maximum of $500,000 for a road and to $1 million for a large culvert or bridge, with RMs funding the remaining project costs.
“These investments recognize the important role rural roads play as part of an integrated transportation network,” said Lumsden-Morse MLA Blaine McLeod, appearing on behalf of Highways Minister Lori Carr. “The projects this year range from clay capping, base and subbase work, grading, and surface strengthening.”
SARM administers the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program. Their officials pointed to the benefit of improving RM roads in generating economic benefits and improving transportation and trade.
“This announcement will help our ongoing efforts to support the province’s economic growth, and enhance our rural infrastructure,” said SARM Acting President Bill Huber. “Rural transportation infrastructure is the backbone of many of Saskatchewan’s key economic sectors, including mining, agriculture and forestry. These industries rely on well-maintained roads to transport goods efficiently, both within our province and beyond.”