The Manitoba government is supporting 136 municipalities with an investment of $42 million for critical infrastructure projects that focus on community renewal, disaster mitigation, climate resiliency and recreation.
“After years of a municipal funding freeze, our government is renewing support for rural communities,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie. “We committed to resetting the relationship with our municipal partners and we are pleased to support strategic infrastructure projects that will support municipalities in their efforts to protect their towns and cities from potential disaster and build strategic infrastructure projects that promote growth and sustainability.”
Through the new Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program, rural municipalities can apply for grant funding for up to 50 per cent of total eligible costs for capital projects under the following investment categories:
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- public safety, which includes disaster prevention, flood mitigation and climate adaptation (such as drainage and flood water control), and fire stations and related capital items (such as trucks to enhance public safety);
- roads, bridges and active transportation (such as multi-use trails, airports and renewed road infrastructure);
- recreational infrastructure (such as arena upgrades, new playgrounds or community centre upgrades); and
- solid waste management and organic diversion (including garbage collection sites or recycling infrastructure).
“Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) welcomes the provincial government’s commitment to co-invest in strategic infrastructure projects that will greatly benefit local communities,” said Kam Blight, president, AMM. “We also appreciate this renewed collaboration with the province and look forward to being actively involved in reviewing and providing feedback on applications, ensuring projects align with the interests and growth ambitions of municipalities across Manitoba.”
Funding for this program is sourced from the $73.8-million rural strategic infrastructure basket delivered under the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund.
