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$900k in flooding prep funding for Kootenays
The provincial government announced this afternoon the Kootenays will be getting $900,000 to help deal with flooding issues.
The funding is part of the provincial governmentās investment of over $80 million in emergency preparedness and public safety, Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for Kootenay East Bill Bennett announced support for several projects in the Kootenays on behalf of Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto.
Regional funding highlights include:
* $600,000 for flood risk assessment, floodplain mapping and flood mitigation planning in Elkford, Fernie, Sparwood and Nelson. Each community will receive equal support of $150,000.
* $300,000 for Invermere Toby Creek Armouring & Diversion Bar. Portions of the District of Invermere’s Wilmer Road are at significant risk of seasonal flooding. When low water levels allow, the site will be reinforced with large rocks and other materials to help divert water and prevent erosion.
“The Kootenays are a region that has experienced significant flooding in the past, and these funds provide much needed support to local governments to plan and prepare for potential emergencies. This, combined with yesterday’s announcement, provides greater safety and security for the people that live, farm and do business in the Kootenays. By investing in emergency preparedness, prevention and protection, we are building a more resilient region,ā said Minister Bennett.
Other investments that will have a positive benefit to the Kootenays, include:
* $100,000 to PEP Air to support capital purchases and recognize the effort of the volunteer air search and rescue teams throughout the province.
* $500,000 for deployable communication systems for the BC Search and Rescue Association to assist in communication in B.C.’s backcountry.
* $500,000 to Avalanche Canada to support public education and avalanche alerts throughout B.C.
And $32 million is going to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to be administered by Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) that will include items like $3 million for flood plain and hazard mapping, $20 million to support structural mitigation and $4.2 million emergency social services.
“The over $80 million in investments in community emergency preparedness will help us better withstand floods, fires, or earthquakes that could impact our province. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins in every home, in every business and across all levels of government. This funding is another of many provincial investments and initiatives to help keep British Columbians safe,ā stated Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness.
Lead image: Toby Creek at Invermere. e-KNOW file photos
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