INVESTING IN WATER CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE

Replacement of the control structure at the outlet of Lac La Plonge is underway. This work is part of a $2.6 million provincial investment in water infrastructure rehabilitation being undertaken by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority.

"Ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of the province's water management infrastructure is important to ensure public safety and to enable water to be managed in the best interests of the people of Saskatchewan," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority John Nilson said. "Citizens depend on water and investing in water infrastructure supports Saskatchewan's Green Strategy to ensure a strong and sustainable economy."

Originally constructed in the 1930's, and re-constructed in 1985, the Lac La Plonge dam, located eight kilometers northeast of Beauval, principally serves to regulate lake levels. The lake is extensively used by cottage owners, fishermen, outfitters and other recreational users. The new structure will have significant additional hydraulic capacity allowing the lake, during high runoff years, to be restored to desired operating levels over a much shorter time period. A fishway is being incorporated into the works to enable fish to access the lake from Rivière La Plonge.

In addition to this work, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is also proceeding with infrastructure rehabilitation at Gardiner Dam and Blackstrap North Dam in 2006.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority maintains and operates provincial water control structures, including 45 dams, 130 kilometres of conveyance channels plus ancillary works. These structures include Saskatchewan's four major dams: Gardiner Dam, Qu'Appelle River Dam, Rafferty Dam and Alameda Dam. The current replacement value of the works owned by the Watershed Authority is approximately $1.37 billion.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Parker Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 694-3029