Alberta government announces $1 billion in funding for flood recovery

The Alberta government has approved $1 billion in emergency recovery and reconstruction funding for communities in the southern part of the province hit hard by flooding over the past week.

The government said Monday it will be providing pre-loaded debit cards to help families with immediate housing needs and day-to-day purchases.

Under eligibility criteria and distribution plans that were being finalized as of Monday, some families may also qualify for $1,250 per adult and $500 per child, according to the government statement.

The $1 billion emergency recovery and reconstruction funding has been allocated from Alberta’s Contingency Fund and will provide:

• direct funding support for residents who have been evacuated (eligibility to be determined);
• support for relief centres, including food, clothes and supplies; and
• resources to start rebuilding bridges, waterways, and other critical infrastructure

The flooding has been the worst in the province’s history. As of Monday morning, there were 23 states of emergency in effect throughout the southern part of the province.