Governments have increased the share they will pay for Saskatchewan water projects after farmers found the costs too high.
Agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud said about a third of the $15 million available through the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program has been allocated. There are about 25 community wells in the works.
He said the uptake would likely be greater but the projects are expensive.
“Producers need the program but can’t afford their share,” he said Oct. 8.
The program, funded by $9 million from Ottawa and $6 million from Regina, is available to producers and communities in 65 drought-designated rural municipalities in Saskatchewan’s southwest.
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The changes announced last week alter the cost-sharing arrangements.
Program funding for on-farm projects rises to 65 percent from 50 percent of eligible costs, while the funding for community wells goes up to 85 percent from 66.
As well, the program has expanded to include power installation to a maximum of $30,000, and generators. The province is providing additional support for dugouts.
Bjornerud hoped the changes will result in more applications. He wants the program to be long term and perhaps expanded to other areas of the province in the future.
The application deadline is Dec. 3. Projects must be completed by Nov. 1, 2009.
“The crucial part of this is the application deadline,” Bjornerud said.
The southwest did receive more rain this growing season than in the past few years, but is still dry after three or four years of drought.
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration maps show most of the grain belt received between 85 and 115 percent of average precipitation between April 1 and Oct. 7.
