As a result of improvements in irrigation water-use efficiencies, irrigation districts will expand by approximately 12 per cent in 2025, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development wrote in a 2014 report.
As concerns about drought in Alberta continue, the provincial government is hoping upgrades to irrigation infrastructure will help irrigation districts and farmers do more with the dwindling water supply.The province has committed $19 million — a $5.5-million increase from the previous year — to the cost-shared Irrigation Rehabilitation Program. Irrigation supports 1.5 million acres of crop production in Alberta.
"Investing in these projects now will help counter dry conditions and increase the resiliency of our agricultural sector," said Sigurdson. Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson being sworn into cabinet in this file photo. On Tuesday, he announced a $19-million commitment to the province's Irrigation Rehabilitation Program. to meet water needs in the face of a severe drought, with a dry winter affecting snowpack and reservoir storage.Water is in short supply in southern Alberta.
So why do irrigators need more infrastructure investments if the program has been around for decades? He says the answer is simple. Irrigation is a major user of the province's water supply. Alberta has the largest irrigated area in Canada, reaching about 690,000 hectares in the province. Of that, 566,000 hectares are in southern Alberta along the South Saskatchewan River Basin.
"We've got plenty of uses for these funds. We've got a long list of infrastructure projects with a district as large as ours," said Westwood in an interview with CBC News.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Smart water meters 98.5% installed; balance to be done by 2025There are approximately 700 accounts that still need advanced meter infrastructure installed
Read more »
Brazil Will Water Down Key 2025 Budget Target as Spending RisesBrazil will target a less ambitious 2025 fiscal outcome than previously indicated, likely disappointing investors who are eager for strong signs that the government plans to control spending and limit deficits.
Read more »
Calgary's plan to reintroduce fluoride into drinking water pushed back to 2025The City of Calgary’s plan to reintroduce fluoride back into the drinking water supply has been delayed again – and is now set to be ready by 2025.
Read more »
Sask. invests in mobile skills lab to promote agriculture across the provinceThe Sask. government invests in $300K to create a mobile skills lab to expand the workforce in agriculture in the province.
Read more »
Alberta Municipalities blasts province for Bill 20 'power grab'Tyler Gandam, president of Alberta Municipalities, spoke during a press conference held last Thursday, saying there was little support for the provincial government's proposal to introduce municipal political parties in the province.
Read more »
Alberta flu deaths spike to highest number seen in province in past 15 yearsAlberta is seeing a huge spike in flu deaths, with 167 people dying over the past winter.
Read more »