Province announces $1 billion for flood ravaged areas
The provincial government is responding to flooding throughout Southern Alberta. Now that the waters have begun to recede, Albertans are looking ahead to how to rebuild.
On Monday, June 24, the provincial government announced $1 billion for emergency recovery and reconstruction.
“Our focus is currently shifting from response to recovery. The high water levels have now moved though the communities in Alberta and it’s time to gauge the impact of the flooding damage, with a view to get Albertans back in their homes as quickly as we can,” said Dave Galea, a senior official with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).
The $1 billion emergency recovery and reconstruction funding has been allocated from Alberta’s Contingency Fund to provide immediate support to Alberta families and communities. The emergency funding will provide direct funding support for residents who have been evacuated (eligibility to be determined), support for relief centres, including food, clothes and supplies, and resources to start rebuilding bridges, waterways, and other critical infrastructure.
Albertans who are displaced will receive a pre-loaded debit card. Those who qualify will receive $1,250 per adult and $500 per child.
“Without question, we believe there will be a disaster recovery program as a result of the flooding in Southern Alberta. The process will be communities will make claims on behalf of all their citizens,” said Galea.
As of Monday, June 24, Drumheller remained in a state of emergency, though an evacuation order for low-lying areas was rescinded at 5 p.m. Other parts of Alberta, including Lethbridge, the County of Lethbridge, Red Deer, Cypress County, and Crowsnest Pass lifted their states of emergency by Monday.
Water levels are expected to remain high throughout the week and Albertans are being asked to be cautious.
“Water levels, although they are receding, are going to remain high for a number of days while the water clears the system. We encourage Albertans to be safe, stay away from river banks, and stay back from danger,” said Galea.
