By Alice McFarlane

Channel clearing assistance funding available for local governments

Jun 30, 2022 | 12:00 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) is providing new funding for channel clearing and maintenance for constructed agricultural drainage projects.

WSA has expanded eligibility to include maintenance of drainage projects. Previously, only natural watercourses qualified for funding.

WSA minister Jeremy Cockrill said up to $1 million is available in 2022-23 for local governments to apply, including rural municipalities (RMs), Conservation and Development Area Authorities (C&Ds) and Watershed Associations.

“Obstructions in natural and constructed watercourses can cause flooding and erosion problems and be a significant cost burden to producers and local governments,” Cockrill said. “We believe advancing channel clearing and drainage maintenance projects throughout the province can help landowners better protect private and public infrastructure.”

A rebate of up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs will be provided for activities carried out during the 2022-23 program year. This can include removing silt, beaver dams, trees, brush and deadfall, to lessen the possibilities of blockages that can cause flooding to roadways and land.

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Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association Chair Miles Wendell said the funding is vital to support responsible agricultural water management projects.

“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 Jan. 31, 2023.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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