SIX COMMUNITIES IN EASTERN SASKATCHEWAN APPROVED FOR FLOOD PROTECTION GRANTS

Six communities in the eastern Saskatchewan were recently approved for assistance under the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program.

The Town of Canora, the Rural Municipality of Buchanan, the villages of Rhein and Buchanan and the hamlets of Armit and Erwood will share funding from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority totalling nearly $100,000. The grants will cover a variety of flood protection activities at the communities including clearing channels, constructing drainage ditches and temporary berms, installing culverts, sandbagging and pumping.

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

"Communities who have accessed funding through the Emergency Flood Reduction Program have shown leadership that will mitigate damages that may occur," Deputy Premier, Finance Minister and Canora-Pelly MLA Ken Krawetz said. "We are pleased that our government had the ability to provide funding to support their flood protection now and in the future."

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
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-1492
Email: warren.thomson@swa.ca