NLIS 14
September 28, 2005
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
Ministers conduct site
inspections on west coast to assess flood impact
Minister of Municipal and Provincial
Affairs Jack Byrne, along with Joan Burke, MHA for St. George's -
Stephenville East and Minister of Human Resources Labour and
Employment, visited the hardest hit residential areas in
Stephenville this morning, speaking with families whose homes have
been destroyed by the flooding.
The province has committed its support to Stephenville and
surrounding areas and will continue to work with towns and community
organizations to ensure the safety of the public, provide emergency
assistance, and clean-up services. "Now that the water has
significantly dropped, we can see the full extent of the damage to
some homes and begin the process of securing infrastructure," said
Minister Byrne. "Officials with the Department of Municipal and
Provincial Affairs, and Emergency Measures Organization are now
working to set up a process for assessing damage and for affected
residents to make application for financial assistance."
NLEMO officials will be on the west coast tomorrow to meet with the
various affected towns and distribute Damage Assistance
applications. Applications for financial assistance will be
available at town halls in Stephenville, Deer Lake, Kippens and
Reidville late Thursday afternoon or Friday. Those requiring
information on applications can contact the Emergency Measures
Organization office at (709) 729-3703.
"I can not stress enough how critical it is to be on site, to visit
the affected areas and to speak with residents as they try to come
to terms with the magnitude of the damage," said Minister Burke.
"Myself, Minister Byrne, Minister Rideout, as well as Premier
Williams, have now seen firsthand the damage caused. This will be of
great assistance as we determine how best to address the needs of
residents."
Transportation and Works Minister Tom Rideout joined Ministers Byrne
and Burke this afternoon to tour the Stephenville area following an
extensive tour of Reidville, Pynn's Brook, Riverside Drive, and
Gallants. Minister Rideout said, "The impact of the damage to roads
and bridges is significant. We are doing emergency repairs
immediately and assessing longer term needs. Our first priority is
to have the damaged areas repaired so communities and residents have
secure transportation routes and access to emergency services."
Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications, (709) 729-1983,
690-2498 or heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
2005 09 28
3:15 p.m. |