The provincial government is releasing more than half a billion dollars to municipalities for infrastructure improvements.

It includes $175 million for specific improvements to water services.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma says the province will begin accepting applications for the Health and Safety Water Stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) next month.

“Eligible projects will include water, wastewater and stormwater facilities, replacement of local pipes and water mains, as well as enhancements to shorelines and flood mitigation,” says Surma.

Projects must be new, rehabilitation or expansion projects to qualify.

The province is also doling out funding through the Housing Enabling Core Servicing Stream under the Infrastructure Program.

The program, announced last August, is intended for the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and culverts that help unlock land for new housing development.

Surma says 58 projects across 60 communities have been approved and will benefit from nearly $400 million.

Details of which communities received money will be revealed at a later date.

The province is also accepting applications to a new Water Infrastructure Lending Stream, with one billion dollars in loans being made available.

“With more flexible terms to help municipalities get shovels in the ground on the water infrastructure projects so that more homes can be built. We want to support as many municipalities as possible with these targeted programs so that communities have the infrastructure in place to provide the housing options that residents need.,” says Surma.