The Saskatchewan Government is ensuring reliable water supplies and effective flood protection into the future with the announcement of new funding for the province's water management infrastructure.
"Our government took steps in the 2012-13 Provincial Budget with new money for the safe and reliable operation of our dams and water rehabilitation systems," said the Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Dustin Duncan. "Last fall, government committed to a 10-year water management infrastructure renewal plan and this new investment is an important step in delivering on that commitment."
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority received $2.1 million from the Provincial Budget, an increase of $1.4 million, to enhance its Dam Safety Program. The additional funding will allow Watershed Authority to complete Emergency Preparedness Plans for Rafferty, Alameda and Gardiner dams, conduct dam safety reviews and ensure that the Authority's dam safety management activities meet industry standards.
The 2012-13 provincial budget also authorizes the Watershed Authority to invest $6.7 million, up from $4.1 million in the last fiscal budget, to rehabilitate provincial dams and water supply channels. Priority work will occur at Alameda, Gardiner and Moose Mountain dams, as well as the Upper Qu'Appelle Water Supply Channel.
"A sustainable water supply is an important part of the Saskatchewan Advantage and these new funds will help ensure that our dams and supply channels are able to ensure a sustainable water supply," Duncan said.
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority leads management of the province's water resources to ensure safe water sources and reliable water supplies for economic, environmental and social benefits for Saskatchewan people.
