The Government of Alberta has announced funding for 18 projects to manage floods and droughts, including in Coaldale. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coaldale, Pincher Creek among funding recipients for drought and flood protection

Aug 6, 2024 | 10:51 AM

Several communities across the province are receiving money to help protect against both floods and drought.

The Government of Alberta has announced more than $30 million through the Drought and Flood Protection Program.

Environment Minister Rebecca Shulz says Albertans know all too well the devastating effects of severe weather.

“That’s why we are funding high-priority projects across Alberta, from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement in the north to Pincher Creek and Coaldale in the south. We are investing in projects that will help protect homes, businesses and lives,” says Shulz.

In southern Alberta, some of the approved projects include:

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• City of Brooks – $4,074,140
  • Build a storm main along 1 Street and 9 Avenue connecting to Stafford Lake, a new stormwater pond in Fairview Park, and a water quality monitoring system.
• Municipal District of Pincher Creek – $416,500
  • Installation of water intakes for the Cowley/Lundbreck Regional Water Treatment Plant within the Crowsnest River. Exploring ways of meeting demand and different intake and raw water storage options.
• Town of Coaldale – $3,728,000
  • Build a new 100,000 square meter stormwater retention facility to increase regional stormwater capacity and combat chronic overland flooding

Paul McLauchlin, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, says communities face unique challenges when it comes to managing droughts and floods.

“The RMA welcomes the Drought and Flood Protection Program and the benefit it will bring to rural municipalities, with $10 million of the total funding being directed to rural projects,” says McLauchlin. “Funding to support capital projects that improve a municipality’s ability to manage droughts or floods is critical for the long-term success of our communities.”

A total of 18 projects were approved for this year’s funding intake.

The full list of funded initiatives is on the Government of Alberta website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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