The RM of Vanscoy and the RM of Laird are among 30 rural municipalities across Saskatchewan receiving grants through the provincial Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program.
The RM of Laird and RM of Vanscoy will each receive $500,000 for road projects, according to a news release isued by the provincial Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
A total of $13 million has been allocated for 34 projects under the RIRG program.
“The RIRG program has been a successful partnership program with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) for many years,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “These investments in rural economies promote growth and prioritizes the safety and quality of roads and bridges in rural Saskatchewan.”
RIRG provides financial support to rural municipalities for the cost of constructing and upgrading rural infrastructure, which helps local industries including agriculture, energy and forestry. The program grants cover up to 50 per cent of each project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.
“Rural municipalities maintain local infrastructure, which is supporting Saskatchewan’s rural-based industries and the provincial economy,” SARM President Ray Orb said. “The RIRG program provides financial support for rural roads which is important for our municipalities.”
The province will commit $13 million for a total of $47 million in estimated road, bridge and culvert project costs.