By Patrick Book

Expensive year for Saskatchewan’s Provincial Disaster Assistance Program

Jul 21, 2011 | 4:34 PM

It will surprise no one that this will be the most expensive year ever for Saskatchewan’s Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP).

As Saskatchewan cleans up from the devastating floods throughout the province, there have been more than 2,600 applications to PDAP, coming from more than 400 community events.

PDAP’s general manager, Cam Swan, admits just like the flooding, the call for help has been unprecedented.

“That is by far and away, the highest number we have ever seen in the program,” said Swam.

Major concerns in rural municipalities, are roads. A lot were damaged or washed out by flooding especially in the southeast. Some councils are worried that it will take their entire budget just to get started.

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Swan insists PDAP recognizes that concern.

“We are very cognoscente of cash flow challenges that municipalities, and even individuals have, but we have the ability to pay some advances in many cases,” said Swam.

Swan insists the province will do what it takes to help people rebuild.

He also notes the higher the level of damage, will mean a greater contribution from the federal government.

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