Alberta invests $25M to protect communities from floods and droughts

Alberta’s government is investing $25 million this fall to help protect communities, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from floods and droughts.

A retaining wall will be built to protect the Slave Lake Airport and Helitack Base during floods.

The funding is part of the five-year, $125-million Drought and Flood Protection Program, which has already supported 28 projects across the province, including upgrades to water infrastructure in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and flood berm construction in Siksika Nation.

“This funding helps communities build the infrastructure they need to stay safe from extreme weather events,” said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz. Associate Minister of Water Grant Hunter added that droughts and floods “threaten public safety and have devastating effects on infrastructure, property and the economy.”

Eligible projects include flood- and drought-proofing of critical infrastructure, berms, flood walls, retention ponds, diversion structures, and property acquisition for protection purposes. This year, regional service commissions and Tribal Councils are also eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 1.

For more information and a list of previously funded projects, visit Alberta.ca.