SARM Pleased with Provincial Investment in Infrastructure

March 19, 2008

SARM Pleased with Provincial Investment in Infrastructure 

“Infrastructure is key to the future growth and development of this province,”  said SARM President David Marit, “and we are glad to see this government is committed to following through on its election promises and make a provincial investment in infrastructure.” 

SARM is pleased to see the 7% increase in revenue sharing as promised by the new government and hopes to see increases in the future.  The $15 million that was announced for the Roads to Resources program as well as the additional $5 million for the Clearing the Path primary weight corridor system is welcome news.  “This infrastructure investment will provide more communities with access to economic activity therefore ensuring stability and growth into the future,” said Marit. 

The rebate on the education portion of property tax on agricultural land increased from 38% to 47% and the rebate on residential and commercial property went from 10% to 12% in today’s budget.   “SARM is thankful for the increased rebates as it will reduce the tax burden for ratepayers,” stated Marit.  “We hope this government will commit to finding a long term solution to this problem.” 

On the agriculture front the budget introduced $6 million in funding to devise a farm and ranch water infrastructure fund.   This fund will be used to allow strategic, long term water supply management infrastructure to be constructed in the drought stricken southwest in 2008.   “SARM has been asking for such a strategy and we thank the government for recognizing the need through this budget commitment,” said Marit.  SARM has been named as a member of an advisory committee that will be working with government to implement this strategy.    

They will also be providing some new assistance to hog producers through an advance on   the 2007 and 2008 CAIS program as well as increasing funding for agriculture research.  “We were also encouraged to hear that the province is making progress on moving the CAIS administration home as well as building a stronger working relationship with the federal government,” stated Marit.  “This increased cooperation should provide benefits to producers.”