Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency (WSA) Fred Bradshaw has announced a series of targeted investments designed to protect infrastructure, while laying the groundwork for continued economic growth.

Bradshaw says WSA’s 2021-22 capital budget of $66.5 million is highlighted by an initial $18.9 million investment to facilitate the Westside Irrigation Project; phase one of the 10-year, $4.0 billion Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion Project, which the government says is the largest infrastructure initiative in Saskatchewan history.

Other highlights of the capital budget include $6.0 million for construction of a spillway and outlet at Highfield Dam and $7.5 million for ongoing repair and rehabilitation of Gardiner Dam.

Other spending includes:
• A total of $1.5 million for the Channel Clearing Program;
• $500,000 for flood damage reduction programming, including reactive and pre-emptive measures to mitigate the damage due to flooding; and
• $250,000 in funding for community flood mapping.
WSA’s operational budget of $66 million funds the operations of 72 dams and 130 conveyance channels, a network of 283 hydrometric stations monitoring water flows, and the continued regulation of more than 600 wastewater and more than 800 waterworks throughout Saskatchewan.