The following statement was issued today by Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

West Coast flooding

Last week I joined MHAs Bob Mercer and Eddie Joyce in visiting Corner Brook and other communities on the west coast, to witness the infrastructure and property loss caused by severe flooding one week ago. Premier Grimes visited the region on Friday and the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation was in the area on the weekend.

Heavy rains caused shoulder washouts and flooded roads in many areas, from the Codroy Valley to Gros Morne Park and the north and south sides of the Bay of Islands. Some roads were closed, and others were reduced to a single lane of traffic.

Hundreds of homes in the region, businesses and infrastructure have been significantly damaged, with repair and replacement costs expected to reach millions of dollars, but it is too early to speculate on a total dollar figure.

This province is certainly not a stranger to flooding disasters. Less than two months ago, water and ice that gushed into the Town of Badger, resulted in the evacuation of that community and extensive property and infrastructure damage. As the last of our unexpected visitors left the province after the events of September 11th, 2001, Tropical Storm Gabrielle damaged more than 1,200 homes on the Avalon area.

Once again we have been fortunate that there were no fatalities. This is largely due to the response effort of firefighters, community volunteers and government officials who were quick in their response.

On Monday, March 31, there was a landslide on the Trans Canada Highway in the Gallant�s-George�s Lake area, the following day a bridge partially collapsed in the same area. As a result, the Trans Canada was closed for a portion of each day, with it opening to light vehicles on Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday, Route 450, on the south side of the Bay of Islands, was closed after a landslide in the John�s Beach area.

Crews worked round the clock to open roads. On Wednesday evening the Department of Works Services and Transportation was able to open the road in the John�s Beach and Thursday night the installation of a temporary bailey bridge on the Trans Canada Highway was completed to allow heavy traffic through. I have been advised by the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation that a new bridge will be constructed at this location.

Other repairs may have to be carried out to road ways and bridges over the next month or so. This will be determined after water levels recede and departmental engineers are able to do detailed assessments.

The Province will once again be approaching the Federal Government for participation and compensation under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. An office to handle claims for submission to the Emergency Measures Organization has been set up at the Fire Commissioners Office in Deer Lake, which was open throughout the weekend. Claims packages are also available at most municipal council offices in the region.

Financial assistance will be provided to homeowners to repair homes to pre-flood conditions and replace essential appliances, furniture and other items.

Provincial Adjusting Services Ltd., which has an office in Corner Brook, have been appointed to coordinate claims adjustors. They will subcontract to other provincial adjusting firms as necessary.

I was certainly very pleased with the response from the Fire Commissioners Office, the Emergency Measures Organization and Engineering officials from my department. These individuals continue to meet the challenges that face them.

On behalf of the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, I would like to recognize the response effort of the staff of that Department for their efficient response and hard work.

Many communities were affected by last week�s flood, where volunteer councils and community leaders have been tasked with dealing with the damage to community infrastructure and concerns of residents.

We recognize the greatness of this responsibility and we will work with councils and community representatives in returning communities to normal.

2003 04 07                                       1:55 p.m.