INVESTING IN WATER CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE

The final phase of a major renovation to the Avonlea Dam will soon be underway. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is tendering major earthwork at the Dam, including upgrading of the main earthfill embankment, widening of the emergency spillway, extending riparian piping, and installing monitoring instruments.

The Avonlea Dam rehabilitation is the largest of 25 projects the Authority will fund this year to improve the safety and operation of Saskatchewan's dams and other water control structures. Expenditures to assess, rehabilitate and upgrade water management infrastructure across the province are expected to exceed $3.7 million this year, compared to $3.5 million in last year's budget. These structures control the flow of water to improve water quality, ensure adequate supplies, reduce the risk of flood damage, enhance recreational opportunities, and maintain aquatic habitat.

"Maintaining Saskatchewan's water infrastructure supports economic growth in the province and enhances the quality of life in our communities," Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Buckley Belanger said. "The province's water control infrastructure is valued at well over $1 billion. The projects we are funding this year will ensure that we maintain and operate these assets appropriately, safely and with sensitivity to the environment."

An ongoing program to rehabilitate the province's water management infrastructure was initiated in 2000. Over the next 20 years, approximately $87 million will be spent to rehabilitate and upgrade Saskatchewan's water management infrastructure.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Parker Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-3029 Email: bill.duncan@swa.ca