Many communities face challenges keeping up with water demand, drought-proofing their infrastructure or preventing floodwaters from damaging homes and critical infrastructure. That’s why Alberta's government is investing $25 million for 12 projects through the Drought and Flood Protection Program and $3.5 million for projects through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program.
With this funding, communities and other partner organizations will build projects designed to keep homes and businesses dry, roads accessible, and critical infrastructure operating safely during an emergency. Water supply and storage infrastructure will be expanded and watershed health will be improved so growing communities have the water they need, even during periods of drought.
“Investing in drought and flood protection keeps communities safe, while allowing them to continue to grow and thrive. This helps ensure safe and reliable access to water while making Alberta more resilient to extreme weather events.”
Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Alberta’s government is investing $125 million over five years into the Drought and Flood Protection Program. Last year, the government delivered millions to counties, towns, cities and Indigenous partners for infrastructure projects, which are now underway. In total, $75 million has now been invested in 40 projects through the program.
Highlights from this round of Drought and Flood Protection Program funding include:
- The Municipal District of Pincher Creek will make improvements to the Therriault Dam’s emergency spillway to ensure safe operation during a 100-year flood. Phase 2 of the project will explore ways to use water more efficiently to increase agricultural production.
- The Town of Drumheller will purchase Tiger Dams and other flood mitigation equipment for temporary use to provide additional protection during a flood emergency.
- Water supply capacity, storage and reliability will be improved in Foothills County, the Town of Okotoks, Mountain View County, Sylvan Lake and the Municipal District of Smoky River.
- Chronic issues with drainage and overland flooding will be addressed in Sexsmith, the Municipal District of Taber and on Samson Cree Nation, Alexander First Nation and Whitefish Lake First Nation.
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