The Government of Manitoba has increased the Manitoba Water Services Board capital budget by $2 million for 2019-20, to a total of $15.8 million, Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton has announced.
“We continue to make significant investments in water and wastewater infrastructure throughout our province,” said Wharton. “These important projects are critical to ensuring our municipalities remain healthy and sustainable for years to come.”
The board’s capital budget will total $15.8 million in the next fiscal year to better support municipalities to address their water and wastewater needs. This additional funding will allow municipalities to initiate more capital projects and undertake engineering studies and designs, ensuring there are enough tender-ready projects to maximize federal and provincial funding.
“The AMM welcomes the commitment to invest an additional $2 million in the Manitoba Water Services Board to support municipal water and sewer projects,” said Ralph Groening, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). “Investing in water and wastewater infrastructure is crucial to ensuring Manitobans have access to modern reliable systems.”
The announcement is part of a new capital plan that includes a total provincial commitment of $75.5 million over five years for water and sewer infrastructure in rural Manitoba.
Some of the key projects include new water supply wells and distribution pumping upgrades in Virden, the second phase of water plant process enhancements in Portage La Prairie, water supply upgrades in Swan River, and investments in Sinclair regional wastewater system in the R.M. of Pipestone.
The board enters into agreements with municipalities and water co-operatives to deliver sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure and provide project management for major works. This partnership enhances economic development while improving public health and addressing environmental concerns, said Wharton.
