The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and the federal government to replace 100 bridges over the next four years.
“Our government continues to invest in rural infrastructure that improves safety and keeps our economy growing,” said Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit. “The food, fuel, fertilizer and manufactured goods that our province exports often begin their path to market on a municipal road. So we are happy to upgrade 100 rural bridges to ensure we can reliably get our goods to market.”
In addition to helping rural municipalities address their infrastructure challenges, this program also supports agriculture, energy, forestry and other rural-based sectors. Over the next four years, the $31.5 million federal and provincial funding will be directed to rural bridge improvements.
According to Ray Orb, president of SARM, there are approximately 1,475 bridges in rural Saskatchewan and many were built in the 60s and 70s and some are at a point where the bridge needs to be replaced. This funding will help address this infrastructure challenge.
Some rural bridge projects are currently going through the federal approval process, so work can begin this construction season. Another intake for additional bridge projects is currently open and will close on July 19, 2020. Project applications can be made online through SARM’s website.
Projects will be cost-shared up to $500,000, with about 17 per cent of this amount coming from the federal government, while 33 per cent will come from the provincial government with the remaining share coming from the municipalities.
For further information, click here.
