Many parts of Alberta have experienced flooding in recent years, while others have seen water shortages and may face severe drought this year. Many communities need assistance in developing the expensive local infrastructure needed to protect residents from extreme weather events.
To help, Alberta's government is launching the new $125-million Drought and Flood Protection Program. Municipalities and Indigenous communities across the province can now apply for funding to improve their drought and flood resilience and adapt to severe weather.
"We are helping communities build the infrastructure they need to help protect people's homes and keep businesses going during droughts or floods. These emergencies can devastate public infrastructure and private property, damage the environment, disrupt our economy and put lives at risk. That's why I encourage any and all communities to apply," said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
The Drought and Flood Protection Program builds on the work of the Alberta Community Resilience Program. This year, $25 million is being made available for projects to benefit communities across the province that are facing drought and flood. Another $100 million will be available for funding over the next four years, with applications accepted each year.
The Drought and Flood Protection Program will help communities design and construct projects that protect critical infrastructure from drought and flooding and help ensure public safety is protected. This could include important drought-related projects to improve water storage, upgrading open-ditch irrigation canals to reduce water loss through evaporation, or relocating water intakes to help communities access water during dry periods. It could also include flood-related projects, such as berms, flood walls and other infrastructure.
Applications for shovel-ready projects are strongly encouraged, but all projects that meet the eligibility criteria will be considered for funding. All municipalities, Improvement Districts, Special Areas, Metis Settlements and First Nations are eligible to apply by June 6, 2024.
Source: alberta.ca