Irrigation in rural municipalities is important, especially in a drought year such as this.

To help keep the water flowing, the Water Security Agency is launching a new 50/50 cost-sharing pilot project that will help RMs replace aging culverts and bridges.

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb says he thinks there will be a high demand for a program like this, as there has been an expression of interest at several meetings in the past.

He adds that there is $500,000 allocated to be used for pilot program. To be eligible, bridges or culvert-style crossings must cross WSA canals while maintaining current flow rates. There is no deadline to apply to the program, however it will operate on a first-come first-served basis.

Orb says if the pilot project is successful this year, it could turn into a permanent program with more funding in the years to come.