WHEREAS SaskWater has taken over operation of flood control projects established several decades ago by the PFRA; and

WHEREAS these old PFRA structures are rapidly deteriorating; and

WHEREAS neither present patrons of these irrigation projects, nor the Provincial Government are interested in funding the reconstruction of these old dams;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Federal and Provincial Governments to undertake appropriate repairs to the PFRA flood control structures.

Response from Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Saskatchewan Water Security Agency:

I believe that the resolution is referring to the PFRA water control structures in the southwest which provide water for a number of irrigation projects. Agriculture Canada has verbally indicated its desire to transfer these properties to other owners. The Water Security Agency held initial discussions with Agriculture Canada about these structures more than a year ago. At that time Water Security Agency asked for a letter confirming the Federal Government's desire to transfer some or all of the structures. We have not received such a letter and no further discussions have occurred about the southwest structures.

Any structures transferred should be transferred in good condition, or with compensation to allow the structure to be rehabilitated by the new owner. Water Security Agency sees that as a responsibility of Agriculture Canada.