The utilities report is the third piece of the puzzle in the RMA’s infrastructure deficit project. A final report with a series of recommendations will be available in the coming weeks
Over the past several months, the RMA, in conjunction with Tantus Solutions Group, has undertaken an ambitious study to assess the current infrastructure deficit in rural municipalities. This is a critical initiative to support ongoing advocacy efforts and to demonstrate the importance of provincial investment into rural municipal infrastructure. This work consisted of collection and in-depth analysis of provincial and municipal asset data.
The project’s third report, focused on rural municipal utility infrastructure (water, wastewater and stormwater) is now available. The report identifies Alberta’s rural municipal utility infrastructure deficit at $2.96 billion. It also projects that the deficit will grow to $5.72 billon in 2028 based on current provincial funding available for utility infrastructure projects. The report also finds that a one-time investment to return the portfolio to good condition would have a return on investment of approximately 12 years due to the lower annual maintenance costs required for to maintain the road network at an optimal condition level.
For a quick overview of the report’s findings, access the At-a-Glance Document. To understand the report’s methodology, detailed findings, and impacts, review the full report.
In the coming weeks, RMA will release a final report with a series of policy recommendations. RMA previously released two report; one on bridges and one on roads. For more information on the purpose of the overall Rural Municipal Infrastructure Deficit project, read the project overview document.
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com