EIGHT COMMUNITIES IN THE LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE AREA APPROVED FOR FLOOD PROTECTION GRANTS

Eight communities in the Last Mountain area of Saskatchewan were recently approved for assistance under the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program.

The Town of Southey, the rural municipalities of Cupar and McKillop, the resort villages of Saskatchewan Beach and Sunset Cove, and the villages of Dysart, Hubbard and Kelliher will share funding from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority totalling just over $443,000. The grants will cover a variety of flood protection activities at these communities including clearing culverts and ditches, constructing berms, work on roads and pumping.

"I am pleased that government is able to assist these communities with their flood protection plans," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan said. "By working proactively we will reduce the risk of flood damage this spring."

"These proactive measures are good news for the families, businesses and communities in the Last Mountain Lake area," Last Mountain-Touchwood MLA Glen Hart said. "Many people will be relieved to know that efforts are underway to help protect their homes and other property in the area from spring flooding."

The $22 million Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program provides technical and financial assistance to communities and individuals to protect homes and permanent structures against flood damage in 2011. Due to a wet fall and above-average snow accumulation, the risk of flooding during the spring runoff is higher than normal. Saskatchewan Watershed Authority provides 50 per cent of the estimated costs for temporary works, 75 per cent for permanent works and 85 per cent for farm yards.

Further details about the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program and the spring runoff forecast are available at Saskatchewan Watershed Authority regional offices or on the province's flood website at www.saskflood.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Warren Thomson
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Phone: 306-786-1492