New Brunswick town’s flood mitigation project gains federal funding

The town of Sussex, New Brunswick, has received federal investment to fund a major flood mitigation project.

The province will receive $637,500 in federal funding under the National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP). The funding will support the design and construction of a flood berm and storm water pumping station, which can reduce the risk of surface flooding from the Kennebecasis River in the Gateway Mall area – considered Sussex’s major commercial hub.

According to a release, the flood mitigation project began in 2018, and it has been extended until March 31, 2020.

“We have recently seen the positive impact of the federal response to flooding in New Brunswick and our Government is supporting communities to prevent flooding as well. Flooding is a threat to our safety, our economic stability and the livelihood of our residents,” said Alaina Lockhart, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal.

Lockhart presented the federal funding to the town of Sussex on behalf of the Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Under the NDMP, the federal government cost-shares up to 50% of eligible expenses for projects submitted by provinces. The government also offers up to 75% of eligible expenses for projects submitted by territories under the NDMP.

Read more: Alberta is the next to receive federal funding for flood mitigation

Late last year, federal funding was also provided to Alberta to support 18 flood mitigation projects in the province. Prior to Alberta, communities in British Columbia and Ontario also picked up NDMP investments.

Since the launch of the NDMP in 2015, the program has approved funding for 363 projects across the country.