Good news for rural Saskatchewan as the government says 69 rural municipalities will see $25.7 million dollars coming their way in funding from the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program.

This program helps RMs with the cost of constructing and upgrading their infrastructure, which in turn helps support local industries like agriculture, energy and forestry.  The RIRG grants cover up to 50 per cent of each project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.

“The announcement of expanded financial support for rural road infrastructure is greatly appreciated,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said in a release.  “Economic recovery and funding to stimulate the provincial economy remains critical and this increased funding ensures our rural municipalities can contribute by investing in rural infrastructure that is supporting Saskatchewan’s rural-based industries.”

Over the three phases of the RIRG program, there have been 219 road projects approved, valued at $233.6 million with $55.5 million in RIRG support.  This includes 63 projects from Phases 1 and 2 that are currently active, valued at $72.3 million with $19.6 million in RIRG support.