MRIF - Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, 2005-2010
MRIF Program Information
Between 2005 and 2010, the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) is injecting $145 million into municipal infrastructure for Manitoba's urban, rural and northern communities. MRIF supports infrastructure defined as publicly or privately owned fixed capital assets in Canada for public use or benefit.
Eighty percent of MRIF has been allocated to rural and northern infrastructure projects to address the needs of communities with a population under 250,000.
MRIF operates on a reimbursement basis where project proponents incur and pay 100 per cent of the project costs, and are reimbursed by the federal and provincial governments for up to two-thirds of the maximum approved amount.
As of March 31, 2006, MRIF application requests exceeded available funding by a ratio of 3:1, with 184 applications requesting in excess of $346 million. MRIF funding has been fully allocated.
MRIF's Objectives
MRIF's objectives include investing in projects that improve the quality of life for all Manitobans.
- Enhance the quality of Canada's environment
- Support long-term economic growth
- Improve community infrastructure
- Build 21st century infrastructure through best technologies, new approaches and best practices.
MRIF's primary focus - Green municipal infrastructure.
"Green" projects include those which protect and/or enhance the quality of our environment, such as water and wastewater systems, water management, solid waste management and recycling, and capital expenditures to construct or improve the energy efficiency of buildings and facilities owned by local governments.
MRIF's secondary focus - Other local infrastructure.
Including local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational infrastructure, infrastructure supporting tourism, and rural and remote connectivity.
MRIF's History
On December 4, 2004 the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba announced $120 million for the new Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to be allocated in 2005-2010. Federal and provincial governments are each investing $40 million with matching project funding from local government bodies or community partners primarily for projects in rural and northern communities across Manitoba.
In May 2007, the MRIF was amended, adding an additional $25 million through matching funds from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and local contributions. This increased the total funding in MRIF projects to $145 million and is helping small communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs through core, green infrastructure and projects that enhance the quality of life of Manitoba residents.
With MRIF, Canada and Manitoba continue to build on the success of the former Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program - in particular, utilizing an integrated, joint Secretariat and application process, as well as a material role for local government associations in the project selection and funding process.
MRIF builds on the 10-year history of collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba. This ongoing and successful partnership reflects a commitment from both levels of government to continue making sound investments in Manitoba's infrastructure. MRIF also reflects recognition by Canada and Manitoba of the need to provide long-term funding for modern community public infrastructure in Manitoba.
