Released on June 15, 2020
Today Finance Minister Donna Harpauer released the 2020-21 provincial budget which includes more than $571 million in direct provincial support to Saskatchewan municipalities.
“Our government is committed to helping our province’s communities recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will do this through record investment into Saskatchewan’s municipalities,” Government Relations Minister Lori Carr said. “Saskatchewan people are resilient, our economy is resilient, and we will rebuild and recover – together. This record funding encourages local job creation, funds critical infrastructure, and continues to support strong, growing communities, from Coronach to Uranium City, Moosomin to Lloydminster and everywhere in between.”
Highlights include:
- A record-setting $278 million in no-strings-attached Municipal Revenue Sharing, an increase of $27 million over 2019-20, or an 11 per cent increase.
- The creation of the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program 2020 which will provide an additional $150 million dollars to municipalities for shovel-ready, local projects and investments.
“The $150 million Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) funding for municipal infrastructure projects is part of our $7.5 million, two-year capital plan to build a strong Saskatchewan, create jobs and help drive our economic recovery,” Carr said.
The provincial investment in municipalities also includes key infrastructure through various programs, notably the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Through this initiative, the province has secured nearly $900 million in federal funding to support local priorities.
The province is also targeting a $50 million investment from federal, provincial and municipal sources for landfill remediation, contributing to the Saskatchewan Solid Waste Strategy. Effective waste reduction and management is essential for responsible growth and contributes to the well-being of the province, its people and its future.
Additional Highlights:
- $35.3 million for urban and rural road projects;
- $18.78 million for policing grants;
- $11.22 million for provincial libraries;
- $8.98 million for grants in lieu of taxes to municipalities and libraries; and
- $3.79 million for the Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities Program.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jay Teneycke
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 3067986095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca