Although the western province is coming to grips with a deficit budget due to a collapse in oil prices, Alberta has pledged an extra $20 million to fast-track the remaining claims from the province's 2013 floods.
“The rebuilding of this community is an inspiration to all of us in Alberta and this is a time when Alberta needs inspiration,” said that province’s premier Jim Prentice, about the community that was hit hardest by the flooding, High River. “It's our intent by this summer the vast majority of the remaining claims will be resolved. Only the most difficult and complex files will remain open and even in those cases it's our intent to get those cases closed as quickly as possible.”
The flooding in June, 2013 resulted in billions of dollars in damage, and left entire neighbourhoods in High River submerged for weeks.
There remains 2,000 applicants with open files under Alberta's Disaster Recovery Program and Prentice said the government is adding 15 temporary caseworkers to assist with file management.
In addition, said the premier, those seeking to complete repairs on their homes will be able to receive a cash advance of 90 per cent of funding they are eligible to receive. – as opposed to the previous limit of 50 per cent.
Once repairs have been completed, applicants can submit receipts to receive the final 10 per cent in funding.
The Disaster Recover Program received more than 10,500 applications after the June, 2013 floods. More than 8,400 cases have been closed and nearly $110 million in financial aid provided.
