Province, SARM teaming up to replace 100 rural bridges across the province

The province and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) are teaming up to replace 100 rural bridges over the next four years.

“Investments in public infrastructure, such as road improvements and bridge replacements, help build strong and competitive rural communities and improve the quality of life for Canadians,” Maryam Monsef, the minister for rural economic development, said in a provincial news release.

“We are proud to support these vital projects in Saskatchewan that will help create well-paying, stable jobs during the construction phase, and will also have positive and long-lasting benefits for residents and businesses for years to come.”

A combination of federal and provincial funding will see $31.5 million directed towards bridge improvement projects.

“There are about 1,475 bridges in rural Saskatchewan and many were built in the ’60s and ’70s and are at a point where the bridge needs to be replaced,” SARM President Ray Orb said. “This funding announcement will go towards addressing the current infrastructure challenge.”

Some projects are currently going through federal approval. The province is accepting new applications for RM bridge construction until July 19. Applications can be made through SARM’s website.

The release stated shared costs up to $500,000. The federal government will contribute roughly 17 per cent, while 33 per cent will come from the provincial government with the remaining share coming from the RMs.