May 27, 2011 Province providing up to $25 million for Southern flooding New disaster recovery program underway for flooding April 1-30

Edmonton... The Alberta government has committed up to $25 million under the 2011 Disaster Recovery Program for communities hit hard by spring floods in southern Alberta. “Southern Alberta has experienced an unusually wet year,” said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Severe flooding has a devastating impact on communities and this assistance will help residents, municipalities and businesses recover.” The new disaster recovery program will aid those affected by localized flooding in the geographic boundaries of the City of , the Municipal District of Taber, Wheatland County, , the County of Forty Mile, the County of , , the , and the Town of Olds, and includes all municipalities and Irrigation Districts that fall within these boundaries. Financial assistance will be available to residents, small businesses, agriculture operations and municipalities that experienced uninsurable loss during the period of April 1 to 30. Those who were eligible under the 2011 Spring Southeast Alberta Disaster Recovery Program in March must reapply if they also sustained damage in April. Registration centres will be established beginning early next week. In the interim, affected municipalities, residents and small businesses can contact 1-888-671-1111 for more information. The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment. -30- Backgrounder: 2011 Southern Alberta Disaster Recovery Program - registration centres and frequently asked questions Media inquiries may be directed to: Barbara North Communications Municipal Affairs 780-427-8862 [email protected] To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. May 27, 2011

2011 Southern Alberta Disaster Recovery Program - Registration Centres and Frequently Asked Questions Registration Centres Tuesday, May 31 - Town of Olds Wednesday, June 1 - Town of Vulcan Thursday, June 2 - Training of Municipal Staff in Wheatland County (Morning) Registration will be completed by the municipality Thursday, June 2 - Training of Municipal Staff in County of Newell (Afternoon) Registration will be completed by the municipality The City of Medicine Hat, the County of Forty Mile and the Municipal District of Taber are not planning on having scheduled registration centres. Registrants are asked to come in to the municipal offices to complete an application. Visit the Alberta Emergency Management Agency website for a step by step guideline to the residential application process and the small business/agricultural application process. Frequently Asked Questions What should I bring when I apply for assistance? Residents should bring: one piece of photo identification; a letter from your insurance company indicating what damage is not covered; and, a detailed list of all property damaged or destroyed. Do not bring photos or receipts when applying, but keep them for the evaluator. Is there a time limit for applying for assistance? Registration is organized by the municipalities. Each municipality determines how long the application registration centres will operate. After the centres are closed, municipalities will be able to advise how to apply for assistance. What if I don't have receipts? Receipts are not required at this stage. If I'm a tenant, do I have to apply, or does my landlord? Tenants must apply for the loss of personal belongings. Landlords must apply for loss of items not owned by the tenant, such as floor coverings and damaged walls. What if I'm out of town during the time the centre is open? The municipality will announce a location to apply for assistance. The program will stay open as long as reasonably possible to accommodate residents. After the centres are closed, applicants can contact the program at 1-888-671-1111 and have a form mailed to them. If I can't apply in person, can I have someone do it for me? Applications must be completed in person. If this is not possible, please call toll-free 1-888-671-1111 to have forms mailed to you. What if I don't have insurance? Albertans who do not have insurance coverage should apply for assistance, and the evaluator will determine whether and how much they can be compensated. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Barbara North Communications Municipal Affairs 780-427-8862 [email protected] To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Newsroom | Ministries Listing | Municipal Affairs Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page |

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