May 2, 2014 – Delta, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Twenty six communities across British Columbia will benefit from greater flood protection thanks to a joint investment by the Harper Government and the Province of British Columbia.
The investment, announced today by the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Delta–Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and MLA for Richmond Centre, on behalf of Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, will help protect families and communities' critical infrastructure, and support continued economic growth.
This joint investment of over $27 million is geared toward 26 flood mitigation projects which will help communities address existing flood concerns, and take proactive steps toward preventing flooding emergencies. Flood protection projects were selected from local government or dike authority applications that offered cost-effective solutions for areas at risk.
These investments are being delivered through two important programs. In 2008, the Government of Canada allocated $136 million from the Building Canada Fund Communities Component to support local government infrastructure projects in B.C. communities with a population of less than 100,000 people. Of this funding, $25 million was specifically allocated to accommodate disaster mitigation projects selected through the Provincial Flood Protection Program.
The Provincial-Territorial (PT) Base Fund is providing $175 million to British Columbia to address core infrastructure priorities. Under this program, a joint commitment of up to $46.6 million was identified for initiatives under the Flood Protection Program.
Ben Letts
A/Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-7543
Email: ben.letts@wd.gc.ca
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
Telephone: 250-213-3602
Infrastructure Canada
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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