Released on June 13, 2007
Details on progress toward relieving the emergency flood situation at Fishing Lake and Waldsea Lake were announced today.
The Province and the Fishing Lake Watershed Association will begin construction of emergency drainage works to reduce the water level in Fishing Lake before freeze-up.
Clifton Associates has been contracted to design and construct the works.
"Many people are impacted by this spring's flooding and work is being done to mitigate the situation on an emergency basis," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority John Nilson said. "We are also working to assist communities as they determine their course of action to prevent flooding in the future."
The Province has also committed to a two-part economic recovery package for the area. Besides a 50/50 cost-share arrangement for flood-proofing secondary residences in Fishing Lake, the Province plans to help local officials design a financial incentive package to restore economic activity interrupted by flooding.
"Helping these flood-stricken communities plan for rebuilding the structures and businesses that support the area's tourism economy is a critical part of the emergency assistance we are providing," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Ron Harper said. "The Province will be assuming these costs and has secured cost-sharing from the federal government under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program."
Other assistance to the area includes changes to the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program that will increase the maximum amount of compensation allowable to eligible owners of primary residences from $100,000 to $160,000.
Investigation and assessment of potential impacts of constructed agricultural draining projects on lake levels has also begun in the Fishing Lake and Waldsea Lake areas.
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For more information, contact:
Judy Orthner
Corrections and Public Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: jorthner@cps.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233
Sharon Metz
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9290
Email: sharon.metz@swa.ca
Cell: 306-529-7575