The government of Alberta is giving $2.6 million in grant funding to the St. Mary River Irrigation district in southern Alberta, the provincial government says in a news release on Aug. 4.
“Crumbling infrastructure on the St. Mary River network highlights the importance of on-going maintenance and rehabilitation. Alberta’s government will continue to invest in irrigation to attract value-added food processors that will create full-time jobs and expand our economy,” Devin Dreeshen, minister of agriculture and forestry, says in the news release.
The grant is part of Alberta’s $10-million Irrigation Rehabilitation Program, the release notes. The program is meant to help improve water infrastructure which provides water for irrigation and agricultural operations, municipal use, recreation, wildlife and habitat enhancement.
“We appreciate the funding we’re receiving through the Irrigation Rehabilitation Program. St. Mary River Irrigation District supports a rich and varied abundance of crops, providing southern Alberta with a steady and vibrant economy,” George Lohues, board chair, St. Mary River Irrigation District, says in the release.
The Irrigation Rehabilitation Program provides districts with funding at a ratio of 75 per cent government to 25 per cent district.
This funding announcement comes a week after Alberta announced $100,000 for a damn safety review for the Eastern Irrigation District.
