The government-funded irrigation expansion project in the Municipal District of Acadia and the Special Areas is moving into the Phase Two planning stage.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
The provincial government announced Monday it will be investing $7 million in the planning of an east-central irrigation expansion project, which involves the Municipal District of Acadia and the Special Areas.
The planning is part of an approximately $933-million government initiative to expand and modernize infrastructure of nine districts across the province, and marks the second phase of the east-central project.
Expected to last approximately 24 months, the planning will be used to inform the expansion of approximately 108,000 acres of irrigated land; with the long-term goal of creating jobs and bolstering agri-food production and economic impact.
Representatives from both the MD of Acadia and Special Areas Board have given support to the project and continue to do so as it enters its second phase.
“This project could reinvent what agriculture looks like in east-central Alberta,” said Special Areas Board chair Jordon Christianson. “(By) bringing new opportunities to producers passionate about agriculture.”
MD of Acadia Reeve Peter Rafa believes the project could have a variety of positive impacts for the region.
“A large-scale irrigation project would increase water security and bring major economic benefits to agricultural producers, while also enhancing recreational opportunities in the area,” Rafa said.
