February 01, 2005

The Province of Manitoba will provide the Red River Basin Commission (RRBC) with a special $10,000 grant to promote co-operation on improving cross-border water quality, Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton announced today.

"It is our hope the Red River Basin Commission, with its international membership, will help governments on both sides of the border strive for co-operation on water-related matters," said Ashton.

RRBC has strong municipal government representation on both sides of the border. Manitoba, Minnesota and North Dakota provincial and state governments are also members. As an international organization, the RRBC is able to put forward a unified voice and vision for the basin, said Ashton. Flood protection was RRBC’s earliest mandate. That has led to involvement in transborder initiatives on water quality, water supply, erosion, riparian restoration, better farm practices, and fish and wildlife improvements.

Some of the funding will promote further work and consultation with Manitoba watershed authorities on the development and broad-based acceptance of the RRBC Natural Resource Framework Plan (NRFP). The NRFP is a document outlining a vision for the future of the Red River Basin.

The grant will also help to carry out an assessment of water protection incentives available in the United States and applicable within the Red River Basin. Advice will be provided on how such programs could be adapted for the Manitoba context and how they could be applied to support the policies and goals of the Manitoba government.

The minister noted that Manitoba is working diligently to improve and preserve water quality in many major lakes and rivers including the Red River and Lake Winnipeg. The Manitoba Water Strategy clearly spells out the government’s commitment on water quality in the province from source to tap, he said.

"I am hoping North Dakota will assist us in our endeavour to protect our water. We look to include Devils Lake as an example of co-operation between our governments. Through cross border co-operation I am encouraged that we can work together to protect and preserve our most valuable resource," said Ashton.

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