Deadline for Badger disaster claims approaching

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), provided an update today regarding the progress of compensation for residents and the new subdivision for the Town of Badger, as a result of damages caused by disastrous flooding this past winter.

"The process is a lengthy one," said Minister Langdon. "But one at a time, families are getting their lives back to normal. Approximately 83 per cent of the claims submitted have been either completely or partially settled."

To date 213 residential claims and 24 small business claims have been submitted to the Emergency Measures Organization. Of the residential claims, 114 have been completely settled and 63 claims have been settled for contents only, with compensation paid out to date at approximately $2.26 million. Five business claims have been settled for a total of $67,220.

It is expected that all claims have been submitted. However, citizens and business owners are advised that the deadline to submit a claim under this program is August 31, 2003.

Minister Langdon assures residents that work on the new subdivision is also proceeding. "The tender for site preparation of the new residential development has been awarded with tenders for servicing including water and sewer and road work to be called within the next week. It is expected that lots will be accessible to begin home construction in about a month. So far, 21 households have signed a letter of intent to build in this new subdivision."

For further information citizens may speak with an EMO representative in Grand Falls-Windsor at (709) 489-5923 or St. John�s office (709) 729-3703.

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

2003 08 15                                     11:10 a.m.