Rural roads to have more than $34.4 Million of improvements

Approved projects include roads in RMs of Snipe Lake and Deer Forks.

The Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has announced more than $34.4 million for 32 road, bridge and culvert projects, which supports the export of goods and resources originating in rural municipalities.

Through the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program, the Ministry of Highways will invest more than $12.6 million toward the projects and rural municipalities (RMs) will fund the remaining more than $21.7 million. The work will occur in the 2025 construction season.

"These projects will enhance the integration of rural roads and the provincial highway network so that farmers, ranchers, businesses and industries can ship their goods more efficiently," Highways Minister David Marit said. "This program recognizes rural municipal roads play a valuable role in Saskatchewan's export-based economy."

“Perhaps now more than ever, improving our transportation infrastructure in rural areas is needed to bring stability and strength to our economy — not only as a province, but also as a nation,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Bill Huber said. “Without reliable roads, bridges, and culverts, we can’t get goods to market. For this reason, SARM is very pleased to see these RMs receive funding assistance through the RIRG program.” 

The provincially funded RIRG program administered by SARM invests in constructing and upgrading RM road infrastructure. RIRG funding is up to 50 per cent per project to a maximum of $500,000 for a road and to a maximum $1 million for a large culvert or bridge. RMs fund the remaining project costs and are responsible for managing their approved projects.

A Program Management Board of SARM and the Ministry of Highways representatives oversees RIRG.

Among the approved projects are Range Road 3213 in the RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 with an estimated total project cost of $1,300,000. The RIRG will provide $500,000 of funding, while the rural municipality will contribute $800,000. The RM of Deer Forks No. 232 will have improvements estimated at $938,011 for 3M. The cost will be split between the RM and the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program.