The Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Hydrologic Forecast Centre’s spring flood information update shows the 2012 spring run-off occurred early and is complete on the Red, Souris, Assiniboine and Pembina rivers, and in the southern Interlake.
The Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Flood Forecast Centre’s first 2012 flood outlook shows spring flood potential remains low at this time for the Red and Souris rivers, and moderate on the Pembina and Assiniboine rivers, and in the southern Interlake.
The province has added a new Amphibex AE 400 icebreaking machine to its ice-jam mitigation fleet, bolstering its ability to prevent and break up river ice jams.
Four separate initiatives will help improve Manitoba’s ability to fight floods and manage water in the province including an independent eight-person task force that will look at Manitoba’s record flooding in 2011.
Manitoba communities affected by the unprecedented flood of 2011 will receive much-needed financial support totalling nearly $2.5 million.
Finance Minister Stan Struthers released Manitoba’s Mid-Year Economic Performance and Outlook and the 2011/12 Quarterly Financial Report, April to September 2011, which provides projections of government expenses including this year’s unprecedented flood.
The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, announced an advance payment of $50 million in federal support for the Province of Manitoba, under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, for response and recovery costs incurred by the Province following the 2011 spring flood.
Federal and provincial governments are once again providing support to producers affected by excess moisture on the Prairies.
More livestock producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan will have financial breathing room to help cope with excess moisture and flooding.
The Portage Diversion channel gates have been closed. Preliminary construction activity continues on an emergency channel out of Lake St. Martin as recommended by independent engineering firms.
