Ministry of Highways, SARM announce over $46M for rural road network improvements

Saskatchewan is investing over $46 million into rural road, bridge, and culvert projects, aiming to improve access for agricultural goods.

The issue of rural road maintenance across the province is set to receive a $46 million bump in funding from both the Government of Saskatchewan and municipalities.

Over $46 million was announced for rural road network improvements in Saskatchewan Thursday. The funds are part of a project between the Ministry of Highways and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

According to the province, the funding will go towards planned road, bridge, and culvert projects.

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The provincial government will be investing more than $16.9 million toward 41 projects, while rural municipalities will provide the remaining $29.1 million.

Bill Huber, SARM president, said he is pleased to see funding support for the projects, as rural Saskatchewan faces “substantial transportation infrastructure needs.”

“Many of the goods and resources driving our provincial economy originate in rural municipalities,” he said in an update from the province. “Investing in RM roads, bridges, and culverts delivers strong economic benefits across Saskatchewan, and SARM looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Ministry of Highways to deliver the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth Program (RRIG) in the years ahead.”

Minister of Highways Kim Gartner expressed the importance of rural roads for producers across Saskatchewan – serving as the first point of contact for many agricultural products.

“This infrastructure program enhances the connectivity of Saskatchewan rural roads to the rest of the transportation network, which supports our export-based economy,” he said.