The Saskatchewan government plans to pay unforeseen flood costs from its savings account this year.
The provincial budget, announced March 20, contains no specific flood relief measures other than a $2.65 million allocation for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program. This is the same amount as the previous fiscal year.
Given the amount of snow this year and expected high runoff, some were expecting extra funding for potential flood costs.
“I think most people in Saskatchewan are worried right now,” said NDP agriculture critic Cathy Sproule.
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However, finance minister Ken Krawetz said money in the Growth and Financial Security Fund is available if needed.
The fund has been split into two parts.
The growth portion will be used for future infrastructure projects and debt reduction, while the security portion will be saved for unforeseen events.
The fund is forecast to contain $182.4 million for growth and $512.7 million for security by the end of the year.
Krawetz said the smaller amount will be available.
“For now, the premier has indicated that the money in the fund not be allocated to any specific project until the impact of the potential spring melt is known, so that this money will be available to cover flooding costs if necessary,” he told reporters.
Krawetz said the province has spent a lot of money since the floods of 2010 and 2011 helping communities and individuals build berms, channels and drainage systems to mitigate future flood risks.
“We’ll be there if indeed we have to be there with additional dollars if the flooding is as bad as it might be,” he said.
“Mother Nature is in control.”
Agricultural leaders said floods are inevitable in some areas, but no one can say how severe they will be until the melt begins.
