Funding For Flood Mitigation Projects

All three levels of government are chipping in on a pair of flood mitigation projects in Saint John.

The federal government is contributing $263,000, the city is setting aside $236,500 and the province has earmarked $43,000.

Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long, New Brunswick Southwest MP Karen Ludwig, Saint John East MLA Glen Savoie and Mayor Don Darling made the announcement at city hall Friday morning.

Darling said one of the projects involves creating a flood mitigation plan for areas near the Saint John River.

“That is an area where citizens of our city were directly impacted by the flood. I think they’re going to be jumping with joy today,” he said. “Even though they may not know what mitigation and adaptation means, they’ll know that we’re taking action.”

The plan is expected to cost $81,500 and Darling said details about project specifics will come out in the near future.

The remaining $461,500 will go towards flood proofing upgrades at the Musquash Water Pumping Station.

Local MPs Wayne Long and Karen Ludwig, along with MLA Glen Savoie and Mayor Don Darling are at City Hall to make a disaster mitigation announcement. pic.twitter.com/ssLTSbxtUE

— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) May 24, 2019

Friday’s announcement came two days after the federal government announced $11.9 million in funding to upgrade the sea wall on the Fundy Quay, raise or replace city pumping stations above flood levels, and move vulnerable electrical infrastructure on the waterfront.

Long said residents have seen firsthand the devastating impacts of flooding in recent years.

“This is the new norm and those that deny that are fooling themselves,” Long said. “It’s refreshing to see our city step up, it’s refreshing to see our city declare a climate emergency. We need to prepare.”

During their May 6 meeting, Saint John Common Council adopted the city’s first corporate greenhouse gas and energy action plan, as well as a broader community plan.