The Government of British Columbia is providing $2.5 million to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) to undertake debris removal and preventative work, designed to reduce flood risk in the region.

Premier Christy Clark toured the region after the substantive rainfall event in June 2016, and committed to supporting the community during her visit. The funds are a reflection of that commitment and will support communities in the region with stream-channel restoration, which is work designed to address debris buildup that leads to flooding.

The mitigation work — including debris removal, resloping and revegetation — is expected to begin immediately, before winter weather creates complications with freezing. The work is part of a cross-government collaboration between the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and its division of Emergency Management BC.

The $2.5 million announced today is in addition to close to $1 million provided to individuals and approximately $4 million expected to pay out to local governments in the PRRD through the provincial Disaster Financial Assistance program following floods in June 2016.

Quotes:

MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier –

“Following a busy summer of significant rainfall in the Peace, we wanted to show leadership in supporting work that prevents disaster in an area prone to flooding. In fact, this investment will help to reduce the proven risk for recurring flooding in this region. By investing this money now, we are taking an important step to enhance public safety and reduce the potential for future damaging flooding for all the residents in the region.”

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto –

“Our government continues to make important improvements for the safety of British Columbians – helping us all to be better prepared for an emergency or disaster. The $2.5 million we announced today is in addition to the $173 million we have invested since 2008 toward flood mitigation projects throughout the province to help communities better manage risk.”

Quick Facts:

• Through the Flood Protection Program, the Province, federal government and local communities have invested $173 million for flood mitigation projects in B.C. since 2007.
• The total estimated cost of damages from the June 2016 Peace River rainfall event could reach close to $100 million.
• The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure crews and contractors have been working since the flood took place to repair roads and open up highways in the area. In total, the Province already has invested $15 million for repairs.
• All provincial highways have been reopened, except for Rolla Road (Snake Pit) east of Dawson Creek. Work is still ongoing to repair the heavy-haul, dangerous goods route, as crews deal with challenging weather conditions. The Province hopes to have the route fully open in the coming weeks.

Learn More:

B.C. government flood prevention and planning: http://ow.ly/vwRT304Ybx3