The losses suffered in Special Areas this summer due to flooding were declared a disaster, paving the way for some financial relief for the area.
On October 4 an Order In Council was approved under the Fiscal Accountability Act. The order “declares the extraordinary losses, damages and emergency response costs caused by overland flooding and groundwater seepage experienced in Special Area No. 2, Special Area No. 3 and Special Area No. 4 from June 26, 2012 to June 30, 2012 to be a disaster.”
“There is funding available, as much as $8.6 million for Special Areas,” said Cameron Traynor, communications for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. “A good amount goes to the municipality itself to recover their costs but some of it is available for individuals as well if they have uninsurable losses.”
The help coming to Special Areas is one of six regional disaster recovery plans to help municipalities, residents and farmers. The estimated provincial commitment is in the area of $58 million.
“This funding will go a long way to help the communities and Albertans who experienced uninsurable losses because of this severe weather,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Plans are already moving forward to establish registration centres for Albertans who may qualify for assistance.”
According to a release, the recovery program is designed for uninsurable losses and property damages caused by the weather events to communities, businesses, residents and producers. Local authorities apply to disaster recovery programs on behalf of their residents.
Traynor explains there will be registration centres set up in the area and directs those affected by the disaster to the Alberta Emergency Management agency’s website at www.aema.alberta.ca.
“There is contact information on the website on how people can fill out the necessary forms and apply for funding,” he said.
