TRURO – Colchester-North MLA Karen Casey is requesting the province provide emergency funding to the Department of Transportation as they deal with the aftermath of Monday’s flooding in Central Colchester.
Torrential rains in the area caused many washouts on roads, culverts, brooks and bridges.
In a letter to Maurice Smith, the Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal (TIR), Casey states that ‘with the approved budget for the northern region having been allocated and used on existing priorities, there is a need for additional funds to address the problems that were not part of the plan. In a press release on Sept. 10, Premier Dexter committed to ‘the full support of the province in the wake of flooding.’
‘Although the minister responsible for emergency measures confirmed there may be joint provincial/federal disaster financial assistance for people who sustained uninsured losses to a primary residence or small business, there was no mention made of assistance to repair or restore infrastructure like highways or bridges.
‘By copy of this correspondence, I am sharing my request with Barbara Baillie, director Northern TIR and ask that you work through her office to have needs and funding identified.
‘Many residents are considering this ‘the worst flood in years’ and it is important that our roads are repaired to ensure safety. In many cases, paved roads have been undermined and are unsafe for vehicles.’
