The Water Security Agency (WSA) is issuing new funding for the maintenance of constructed agricultural drainage projects as well as for channel clearing. There is up to $1 million available for local governments to apply, including rural municipalities (RMs), Conservation and Development Area Authorities (C&Ds), and Watershed Associations.
The WSA expanded its eligibility to involve maintenance for constructed drainage projects. In the past, only natural watercourses were eligible for funding.
"Obstructions in natural and constructed watercourses can cause flooding and erosion problems and be a significant cost burden to producers and local governments," Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Jeremy Cockrill said. "We believe advancing channel clearing and drainage maintenance projects throughout the province can help landowners better protect private and public infrastructure."
Aid will be issued as a rebate of up to 50 percent of the eligible costs for activities implemented in the 2022-23 program year. Some of these activities are removing silt, beaver dams, and debris, such as trees, brush, and deadfall, to mitigate the chances of blockages that can cause flooding to roadways and agricultural land.
"This funding is vital to support responsible agricultural water management projects in Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association Chair Miles Wendell said. "This will help more of our C&Ds maintain natural and constructed drainage courses throughout Saskatchewan and assist in our mandate to manage and protect all water resources."
The deadline to apply for the rebate is January 31, 2023.
For more information on the program and how to apply please visit wsask.ca.
