More than 30 Red Deer County residents have turned to a provincial government aid program to help pay for repairs in the aftermath of torrential downpours last July.
Red Deer County held a registration session for provincial disaster recovery funding on Monday at the Springbrook firehall. “I had, from all around the county, 32 applicants,” said Lisa Dormuth, the county’s emergency management co-ordinator.
The number was a little lower than she expected. Dormuth had previously spoken to about 60 people affected by the storms.
Those interested in applying for disaster help can still fill out an application. They should call Red Deer County to arrange a meeting with Dormuth.
The deluge over July 12 and 13 caused far-reaching problems. “It’s kind of all over the map,” she said, adding there were reports of problems in Markerville, Benalto, Delburne, Pine Lake and other locations.
Most of the damage reports involved seepage issues in basements.
To qualify for the funding, the county had to meet several criteria. The damage had to be widespread, due to severe weather and not covered by the usual insurance. Overland flooding is not typically covered by insurance.
Dormuth said the paperwork collected on Monday will be sent to the provincial government and an evaluator will be assigned to review each application. A meeting will be arranged at the property owner’s home to see the damage if it has not already been repaired.
For information, contact Red Deer County at 403-350-2150.
Similar registration sessions were held on Sept. 27 and 28 in Lacombe for City of Lacombe and Lacombe County residents for flooding from July 10 to 20.