Federal participation in flood assistance announced

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization (NLEMO), is pleased to report that Arthur Eggleton, Federal Minister of National Defense and minister responsible for Emergency Preparedness, announced today that the flood caused by Tropical Storm Gabrielle qualifies for assistance under the Federal Disaster Assistance Guidelines.

On September 19, the St. John's area experienced record rainfall that resulted in extreme flooding in some parts of the city and damage to many homes and property. Without delay, the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization began the process of determining whether this situation would qualify under the Federal Disaster Assistance Guidelines, and the province made application to the Federal Minister of National Defense.

"The province immediately recognized the importance of dealing with claims in an urgent manner and proceeded with the expectation that federal cooperation would be forthcoming. From the beginning, the province has been working in cooperation with federal officials to ensure that the process is carried out in the appropriate manner. I am very pleased that we can now proceed with confidence," said Minister Langdon. 

The NLEMO coordinated the application process and, to date, 1,794 information packages have been sent out. Approximately 800 claims have been returned to the Emergency Measures Organization, and forwarded to independent claims adjusting firms that are evaluating the property damages.

Under the program, the province is responsible for the first $500,000 of expenditures, after which the cost will be shared with the federal government on the basis of a cost-sharing formula. 

The NLEMO will be accepting claims until November 30.

Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2001 11 26                          1:10 p.m.