Minister calls for commitment from federal leaders to assist victims of Stephenville flood

A request from the province to federal leaders to assist relocating victims of last September�s severe flooding remains unanswered, says Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

On September 27, 2005 a rainstorm caused severe damage in the province�s western region. Some of the most severely affected residents live in an area designated as a high-risk flood zone. An extensive engineering study concluded that the preferable option would be to relocate residents to a safer area, unlikely to be adversely affected by floods. However current Federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements may not cover the relocation expense � even though the relocation option would likely be the cheaper of the two, when the potential for future flooding is considered.

"This far into the federal election, a lack of response is a serious cause for concern," stated Minister Byrne. "On December 8, Premier Danny Williams wrote a letter to all three federal leaders seeking commitments to assist in the proposed relocation of homeowners severely affected by the Stephenville flood. The letter asked for a response before the Christmas holidays."

Minister Byrne thanked the residents of Stephenville for their patience as the town continues to deal with the results of a disastrous flood. "I congratulate community leaders for their efforts and cooperation, in particular through working with the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization, to provide aid and assistance to families and individuals impacted by the flooding."

While the province waits for a response from federal leaders, the process of settling the claims of flood victims continues. The provincial Emergency Measures Organization has settled 82 claims to date, totaling $584,037.39.

Media contact: John Tompkins, Communications (709) 729-1983, 690-2498, jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2006 01 05        2:15 p.m.