Province Helps Meat Cove Recover; Reduces Costs

Nova Scotia is launching a disaster financial assistance program and seeking more than $4.5 million from the federal government to help the people of Meat Cove and surrounding area recover from storm damage.

Premier Darrell Dexter made the announcement today, Oct. 27, at the annual Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities conference in Sydney.

The request will be made under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program, which is expected to pay close to 60 per cent of the cost of eligible claims.

"Nova Scotians believe in lending a helping hand to their neighbours," said Premier Dexter. "The community was there for each other and its guests, and should be proud of the character that it has shown. We are doing our part by continuing to be there for the community as it recovers."

The Emergency Management Office estimates that the cost of the emergency response and repairs in the Meat Cove area will be $7.2 million.

Damage to provincial infrastructure, including roads, bridges and culverts, accounts for about $6.9 million. Other damage estimates include: about $200,000 for roads, a bridge and a slipway owned by Inverness County; $35,000 for a recreation centre and boardwalk owned by the Meat Cove Development Corporation; and $65,000 for private homes and businesses. Estimates can vary by up to 20 per cent as individual claims are reviewed and adjusted.

Applying for federal disaster assistance ensures that Nova Scotia does not bear the full cost of repairs to provincial infrastructure. With federal support, the province's share will be reduced to about $2.5 million from $7.2 million.

"Disasters like the one in Meat Cove take a tremendous toll on a community," said Ramona Jennex, Minister for Emergency Management. "With a disaster assistance program, we'll be able to help the community get back on its feet while significantly offsetting provincial costs."

Claims will be processed by the province's Emergency Management Office. People in the affected area of Victoria and Inverness counties, north of Pleasant Bay and Neils Harbour, with eligible damages can contact EMO at 1-866-424-5620. More information and applications can be found at www.emo.gov.ns.ca and downloaded at C@P sites in Meat Cove and Pleasant Bay.

Overnight Aug. 21 and 22, torrential rains in Meat Cove and surrounding areas caused severe flash flooding. Sections of roads were carried away, bridges collapsed and some homes and businesses were inundated, stranding 100 residents and 26 tourists in Meat Cove. All roads and bridges have been re-opened, and permanent repairs are being made.