Alberta has recently been victim to both droughts and floods throughout the province. If the Alberta 2024 budget gets approved, $125 million will go to investing into a 5-year long Drought and Flood Protection Program. Between 2024 and 2029, $25 million a year will be allocated to help deal with these kinds of situations.
The program is designed to aid municipalities and indigenous communities that are vulnerable to these situations. It is expected to launch later this year and will surely be a hit since Disaster Recovery Programs in Alberta have paid out more than $1.7 billion to cover flooding related causes that are uninsured since 2010.
Long term infrastructure will improve their resilience and allow the communities to adapt to extreme weather conditions.
“Droughts and floods can devastate public infrastructure and private property, disrupt our economy, damage the environment and put lives at risk. The new Drought and Flood Protection Program would help communities across the province build the practical infrastructure they need to help protect people’s homes and keep businesses going, regardless of the weather,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
There are many projects that are eligible for funding under the program including, but not limited to; Structural measures, drought and flood proofing or relocation of critical infrastructure or infrastructure that is needed to access services, purchase of property for the purpose of relocation or access to construction of a project, and bio-retention infrastructure.
“Budget 2024 makes strategic investments to promote the sustainable growth of our province. Investments in wildfire preparedness, as well as water management and infrastructure, will help enhance our readiness for natural disasters to protect Albertans’ lives and livelihoods,” said Nate Horner, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
More information can be viewed on the Alberta Government website.
