Government Relations Minister Lori Carr announced the greenlight for 303 new projects last week and another 244 on July 29th. Over $127 million of provincial investment has been approved for 741 projects under the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020.
In the surrounding area, recent approvals were granted for over 10 various towns, villages and R.Ms.
The Town of Churchbridge was approved for the amount of $128, 781 for developing and servicing lots (planning and development). The Town of Langenburg will receive $167, 444 for paving on local roads.
The Town of Saltcoats was approved for multiple projects; they include $10,000 for gravel alleys, $11, 100 for the sewer lift station pump, $5, 148 for a sand spreader, $18, 500 for a main drinking valve replacement (drinking water), $4, 400 for a drainage project, $10, 300 for daycare water main (drinking water) and $10, 117 for pavement rejuvenation on local roads.
The Village of Atwater was approved for $4, 312 for a wheelchair ramp (municipal-owned building and asset) and the Village of Gerald was approved for $19, 547 to go toward a lagoon/wastewater treatment facility upgrade. The Village of Spy Hill will receive $24, 146 for water treatment plant upgrades. The Village of Tantallon will see $13, 079 come its way for a main water line study.
The R.M. of Spy Hill No. 152 was approved for the amount of $46, 424 to go toward grid road construction (E 1/2 26 & 35 19-33-W1) and the R.M. of Rocanville was approved for the amount of $72, 870 to go toward gravel crushing and clay capping on local roads and bridges. The R.M. of Saltcoats No. 213 will receive $102, 335 for clay capping and construction for local roads.
In a previous round of funding, The Town of Bredenbury was allocated to receive $53, 467 for three projects.
The three projects listed for approval are: Weeping Tile at Community Hall ($10,000), New Slide at Playground ($3,000) and Fire Hall Renovations ($40,467).
Amongst the entire province, the latest amount of approved projects sits at 497, representing a total investment so far of $38 million by the Government of Saskatchewan. The deadline for municipalities to apply was extended to July 31 from July 17 for municipalities to submit potential projects under the program.
“Our government recognizes some municipalities may need just a little more time to complete their MEEP applications during these summer months and we want to ensure they have ample opportunity to take advantage of this program,” Carr said. “Provincial investments in local projects and initiatives will help create jobs in communities during this recent unprecedented period, strengthen municipal assets and improve quality of life.”
The $150 million MEEP 2020 was announced in May and is a key component of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion, two-year capital plan to build a strong province and stimulate its economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All MEEP 2020 funding must be used by municipalities by March 31, 2022.