Flood Plan Reduces Risk for Vulnerable Communities

The province is addressing risks and helping to minimize damages for Nova Scotians living in communities vulnerable to flooding.

Lenore Zann, ministerial assistant for Environment, Climate Change, and Flood Control, on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, announced a flood mitigation framework today, April 5, in Truro.

"Flooding poses a risk to Nova Scotians' health, environment and economy," said Ms. Zann. "While we can't eliminate floods completely, we can work together to lower the risk and prevent as much damage to homes and businesses as possible."

The framework will provide $3 million annually, over the next five years, to help communities address flooding and provide leadership across departments.

Each year, $300,000 will be used for risk assessments to identify solutions, $700,000 will fund up to half the cost of community infrastructure investments to reduce floods, and $2 million will help improve existing safeguards such as dykes and berms.

Colchester County communities will be the first to receive the funding, because it is particularly vulnerable to flooding.

The province has spent more than $2.1 million to repair the North River berm and other infrastructure after the damaging floods in 2012.

"I am very pleased the province has stepped up to the plate and did not just talk, but took action immediately at the time of our fall 2012 flooding," said Truro Mayor Bill Mills. "Today, the province followed through with its commitment to assist our region in our pledge to mitigate our flooding issues together as a team. Well done!"

Colchester County Mayor Bob Taylor said it is excellent news for the area.

"This kind of co-operation and support is something that we have been working on for a number of years," said Mayor Taylor. "Flood mitigation projects are important to our community as Truro and Colchester areas have been historically prone to severe flooding. I am sure this will prove to be a great partnership between Colchester County, Town of Truro and the province."

Details on funding criteria and application forms will soon be available at www.novascotia.ca.