SEVEN COMMUNITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN APPROVED FOR FLOOD PROTECTION FUNDING

Seven communities in the north central Saskatchewan were recently approved for assistance under the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program.

The towns of Cudworth, Duck Lake, Birch Hills and Wakaw, the rural municipalities of Duck Lake and St. Louis, the Hamlet of Yellow Creek will share funding from Saskatchewan Watershed Authority totalling nearly $98,000. These grants will assist with costs of flood protection activities including channel and ditch clearing, opening of culverts, installing new culverts, pumping and sandbagging.

"I am pleased the 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."

"These proactive measures are good news for the families, businesses and communities," Batoche MLA Delbert Kirsch 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.

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:

Dwayne Rowlett
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Phone: 306-862-1750