Released on March 22, 2013
Water Security Agency Increases Funding for Water Control Assistance Program to $1.2 Million
Today, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff announced an additional $500,000 for the 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.
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. “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.
Since 2007, the Water Security Agency has provided more than $5 million in funding to 180 rural municipalities, conservation area authorities and watershed associations for channel clearing and maintenance of flood control works.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan. It will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. This new agency brings together, for the first time, all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-631-6997