Saskatchewan residents will again be able receive assistance for emergency flood mitigation measures in 2015. The 2015 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP) is now available to communities, rural municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations, individual farm and country residences and cottages facing imminent flooding.
New this year, the program will provide assistance to prevent damage from imminent flooding to water wells used for human consumptive purposes.
“The safety and well-being of Saskatchewan people is a priority for our government,” Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency Scott Moe said. “We have a strong record of supporting communities in emergency situations, providing funding and expertise through programs like the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program. This year, in the 2015-16 Budget, we made EFDRP government policy ensuring it is available into the future.”
Since 2011, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested nearly $80 million into EFDRP for temporary and permanent works along with engineering and technical support for flood prevention.
The program reimburses individuals and businesses for 85 per cent of the cost of approved permanent flood protection works that are built to provide protection from imminent flooding in 2015. Communities are eligible to recover 75 per cent of the cost of approved permanent flood protection works. Permanent flood protection works include projects like berms and culverts.
Projects must be approved by the Water Security Agency in order to qualify for funding. Requests for assistance under the program should be directed to the nearest Water Security Agency regional office or by calling toll free at 1-866-727-5420.
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. The agency brings together all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
