Released on April 2, 2013
Today, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) Ken Cheveldayoff confirmed the government of Saskatchewan will continue to assist residents faced with threats of flooding with the 2013 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP).
The program provides engineering and technical assistance to municipalities while sharing the cost of permanent and temporary flood prevention works.
“As Saskatchewan readies for a significant spring run-off, our government is committed to supporting its citizens and communities faced with potential flooding,” Cheveldayoff said. “Since 2011, the government of Saskatchewan has provided $25 million to assist in the construction of 580 permanent works across the province. Investing in community-driven mitigation efforts creates protection from flooding not only this spring but in years to come.”
The EFDRP covers 100 per cent of costs for engineering assistance and purchase of sandbags by local governments.
The program also reimburses individuals for 85 per cent and communities and businesses for 75 per cent of the cost of approved, permanent flood protection works built to provide protection from imminent flooding in 2013. These include projects like berms, culverts and lift station work.
The program will also cover 50 per cent of the cost for temporary flood protection measures such as purchase of sand for sandbags and pumping.
Projects must be approved by the WSA in order to qualify for funding. Requests for assistance under the program should be directed to the nearest WSA regional office or by calling toll free at 1-866-727-5420. Further information is available at www.wsask.ca.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan. It will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. This new agency brings together, for the first time, all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-631-6997