The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is pleased that the 2018 Provincial Budget will maintain funding that benefits rural municipalities (RM) in several key areas.
The 2018-19 budget allocates $241.1 million for municipal revenue sharing. RMs will receive $68.1 million. SARM will continue to advocate to ensure that the program provides reliable and consistent funding to municipalities.
SARM is satisfied to learn that the Municipal Roads for the Economy Program (MREP) will maintain funding at $14 million and will not face any additional funding cuts. Over $900 million in funding is allocated to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure. This is good news for RMs and agriculture producers as maintaining the highway system is critical for transporting goods to market and for maintaining public safety.
The roll out of funding for the Protection and Response Team will enhance the Rural Crime Strategy in the province. SARM has been working with the Government of Saskatchewan and the RCMP to ensure that rural crime is appropriately addressed.
“Ensuring rural communities remain safe and viable is SARM’s priority,” said SARM President Ray Orb. “Provincial investment in the MREP program, infrastructure, and rural policing helps our members achieve this priority.”
SARM is appreciative of the $2.85 million allocated to the agricultural programs administered by SARM. This funding will ensure that RMs are able to access important programs to deal with invasive plants and problem beavers. The business risk management programs will continue to benefit producers in the province and the addition of fire insurance for pasture land is a win for producers.
