Funding available | Program will provide assistance to municipalities, businesses and individuals
The Saskatchewan government has unveiled details of a flood mitigation program aimed at protecting homes, yard sites, farm buildings, businesses and municipal infrastructure from imminent flood damage.
The 2013 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP) provides assistance to municipalities, businesses and individuals.
It is not intended to protect against flooding on farmland nor does it cover losses related to ground water seeping into buildings.
The program provides cost-shared assistance for flood protection activities as long as:
- The work will provide protection from imminent flooding.
- The work has been recommended by an engineer or technical specialist.
- Approval to perform the work is secured in advance, when possible, from the Water Security Agency.
- Applicable regulatory approvals are obtained before construction starts.
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For communities and rural municipalities, the EFDRP will cover 100 percent of the costs for engineering and technical assistance, 100 percent of costs associated with sandbag purchases, 75 percent of costs associated with long-term flood prevention projects such as the construction of berms and diversion channels, and 50 percent of costs associated with short-term, temporary flood mitigation measures.
The program will also reimburse individuals and businesses for approved, permanent flood protection works.
For owners of rural yard sites and country residences, the program covers 100 percent of engineering costs on approved projects, 85 percent of berm construction and channel improvements and 100 percent of the costs associated with testing private ground water supplies affected by flooding.
Projects aimed at maintaining private farm access roads will also be covered.
Reimbursement is also available for approved projects undertaken by businesses and non-profit organizations.
Eligible costs for all approved projects must be incurred before Dec 31, 2013.
“As Saskatchewan readies for a significant spring runoff, our government is committed to supporting its citizens and communities faced with potential flooding,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Agency.
For more information, contact the nearest WSA regional office toll free at 866-727-5420.
Further information is available at www.wsask.ca.
