RED DEER, AB, Oct. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Alberta are investing in infrastructure to reduce flood risks and better protect residents and businesses from natural disasters.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Kim Schreiner, MLA for Red Deer North, on behalf of the Honourable Shannon Phillips, Minister of Alberta Environment and Parks, announced close to $30 million in federal-provincial funding for three disaster mitigation projects.
In the counties of Red Deer and Cardston, upgrades to the Dickson Dam and the Jensen Dam will improve spillways and increase their capacity to safely discharge water during extreme floods. In Exshaw, reinforced flood mitigation structures along Exshaw Creek will reduce debris flooding like that observed in the Southern Alberta floods of 2013.
With these important projects, residents of the region—along with businesses, local infrastructure, roadways and wildlife habitats—will be better protected against the risk of major flooding events.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in disaster mitigation projects that reduce the frequency and severity of impacts, and protect our communities and public infrastructure from extreme natural events. These critical projects will help ensure that communities in and around Red Deer County, Cardston County and Exshaw can function and thrive through any circumstance."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The 2013 floods affected many communities in Alberta. That is why we are taking steps to protect Alberta families and the economy against a repeat of this disaster. These are important projects that will ensure communities are better protected against severe weather events."
The Honourable Shannon Phillips, Minister of Alberta Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office
Quick facts
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- The Government of Canada is providing up to $13,365,450 for these three projects under the New Building Canada Fund–Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component–National and Regional Projects, while the Province of Alberta is contributing up to $16,566,560.
Associated links
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [email protected]; Matt Dystra, Press Secretary, Alberta Environment and Parks, 587-985-9441, [email protected]; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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