Manitoba Government invests $84 Million to Support Key Infrastructure
Projects for Municipalities Outside Winnipeg
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Municipal Economic Development Infrasture Program will Support Projects Focused on Renewal, Innovation, and Economic Development: Smith
GIMLI—The Manitoba government is investing $84 million to deliver funding to support infrastructure projects in municipalities outside Winnipeg, Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith announced here today.
“Our government remains committed to building stronger communities, and the new Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program is designed to foster economic growth and opportunities for Manitoba municipalities through shared priority projects that address current and emerging infrastructure needs,” said Smith. “This funding will empower rural municipalities to create stronger, more resilient communities that will flourish for years to come.”
The investment includes one-time funding of up to $39.9 million that will be distributed to all municipalities outside of Winnipeg on a per capita basis to help mitigate high levels of inflation, which can affect the successful delivery of capital projects, the minister noted. Funding will be provided through the annual strategic infrastructure basket available to municipalities outside of Winnipeg. The support reflects the Manitoba government’s commitment to municipalities having the ability to distribute funding based on local capital priorities.
Up to $44.5 million of incremental funding to the strategic infrastructure basket will be available to municipalities through the new Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program in 2023-24, the minister added. This application-based program will support strategic infrastructure projects focused on economic development, renewal and innovation including:
- critical projects that improve public safety such as roads, bridges and active transportation;
- inter-modal transportation such as airports; and
- solid waste management and organic diversion.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Manitoba government’s commitment to partnering with municipalities to support local communities and foster economic growth across Manitoba,” said Kam Blight, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “This additional funding will not only have a significant impact but also help advance infrastructure projects that connect all of us as Manitobans.”
Under the Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program, the Manitoba government will allocate funds to municipalities based on demonstrated level of need. The project evaluation process will consider factors such as:
- alignment with municipal capacity and plans;
- regulatory compliance;
- regional benefits;
- climate resiliency;
- funding leveraged from other partners;
- project readiness; and
- key project outcomes.
“It is great to see the Manitoba government providing $84 million to municipalities outside of Winnipeg to improve their infrastructure,” said Shawn Wood, executive director, Construction Association of Rural Manitoba. “This investment will provide opportunities for economic growth, through increased infrastructure capacity along with continued employment of the local construction industry. This commitment demonstrates the government’s desire to strengthen Manitoba and we will continue to build rural Manitoba.”
Municipalities can find more information on how to apply to the Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program by visiting Manitoba Municipalities Online (MMO) at www.gov.mb.ca/mao/subscriber/login.aspx or the Municipal Relations website at https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/mfpp/index.html.
The deadline for submitting an application form with a supporting council resolution through MMO is Oct. 6.