July 11, 2013 Redford government supports flooded communities Alberta is moving quickly to support rebuilding efforts as local states of emergency are lifted in communities affected by flooding. “This disaster will go down as a defining moment in Alberta’s history and it is one we will live with forever,” said Premier Alison Redford. “Our government will continue to work closely with communities as they rebuild. We’re in this together and we’re in it for the long haul.” At the height of the flood, there were 28 local states of emergency in place, which has now dropped to six. A provincial state of emergency was declared in High River due to the unprecedented damage in that community. It expires on July 12 and the High River Mayor and Town Council will resume emergency operations. Associate Minister Rick Fraser and provincial officials will remain on the ground in High River, providing direct support and all needed resources to the Town in its rebuilding efforts. “Tremendous progress has been made in High River on responding to the disaster and beginning the rebuilding process,” said Emile Blokland, Mayor of High River. “We know the amount of work that lies ahead, and we will continue work closely with the province on rebuilding our community.” In response to the disaster, the province committed an initial $1 billion to support the recovery efforts and provide financial support to municipalities and First Nations that experienced uninsurable infrastructure damage and incurred emergency operations and response costs. Government also provided rapid financial assistance to individuals impacted by the floods. Nearly 36,000 Albertans who were evacuated have received assistance, totaling $62 million, through debit cards and cheques. As well, Disaster Recovery Program centres opened in communities across southern Alberta at a pace unprecedented in Canada, to begin providing up to $10,000 initial payments to help Albertans rebuild their homes and their lives. To support the long-term recovery of all communities, a government task force is in place to facilitate a cross-government approach to rebuilding affected communities. The task force will work with local communities on housing, social, municipal, health, infrastructure, employment, finances, business, education, aboriginal relations and security. Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 18:46:17 +0000