PROVINCE ANNOUNCES DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SWAN RIVER, DUCK MOUNTAIN AREAS AFFECTED BY HEAVY RAIN, FLOODING IN JUNE

Property Owners Encouraged to File Reports Following Mid-June Rainstorms: Ashton

Up to $790,000 in disaster financial assistance will be made available for infrastructure and private property damage caused by heavy rains throughout the Swan River and Duck Mountain areas from June 12 to 19, 2012, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for emergency measures, announced today.

“Manitoba has moved to put a disaster financial assistance program in place to assist local governments for municipalities, small businesses, farms and private individuals affected by flooding from rains and high waters on the Swan and Ochre rivers,” said Ashton.

The provincial government is providing disaster assistance for municipalities surrounding Swan River and the Duck Mountains area and for individuals who face significant costs to repair homes, roads and other infrastructure damaged by the heavy rains.

Disaster financial assistance is generally available for evacuation costs, costs to prevent or limit damage and for non-insurable damage to property such as principle residences and buildings essential to the operation of eligible farms and small businesses. Individuals are encouraged to first seek assistance through individual insurance claims.

Application forms and further details about the program are available online at www.gov.mb.ca/emo or by contacting the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization at 204-945-3050 in Winnipeg or 1-888-267-8298 (toll-free). Applications are also available at most municipal offices.
The total cost of this program is not expected to reach the minimum threshold for federal cost sharing required under the national Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.