HUMBOLDT — The City of Humboldt is looking forward to new infrastructure funding thanks to a recent government announcement.
The province announced on May 19 that they have dedicated $150 million to municipal infrastructure projects with each community receiving funds on a per capita basis. The City of Humboldt will receive $843,542 to spend on projects that fit within the 14 broad infrastructure project categories defined by the government.
City Manager Joe Day said city staff will be compiling a list with both previously shelved projects as well as new possible projects that could be completed with the funding.
With the categories of projects being quite broad, Day said there is no shortage of project options for the city to tackle.
“We've been addressing our infrastructure needs in quite a determined fashion over the last little while, but whether council will want to direct it there, or whether council will choose to direct the money towards projects that are nice to have and just haven't been able to afford yet, we haven't really determined.”
The announcement was made by Government Relations Minister Lori Carr who said the Saskatchewan government is proud to ensure these important infrastructure dollars for Saskatchewan communities.
“This $150 million investment into Saskatchewan’s municipalities can be used for shovel ready infrastructure projects and initiatives, and will help keep our municipalities strong during the current pandemic,” Carr said in the press release.
Humboldt’s senior management will be examining the costs of certain projects, anywhere from large projects to small, Day said, to how far they can stretch the funds.
Funding will need to be used by May 2022 and with the quick turnaround expected, Day said the list of projects will have to be brought to council by the end of the month.
