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Fort St. John receives $4.2 million from the province to help reduce flood risk

While a sewage pipeline is being built in James Bay, a large portion of Niagara Street will be closed to cars and buses will be rerouted. March 5, 2018. (CTV Vancouver Island)

The BC Government is helping communities across British Columbia prepare for emergencies. The City of Fort St. John has received $4.2 million to help mitigate the threat from natural and climate-related emergencies,

The money will go to flood risk reduction in the Bouffioux Coulee watershed. It will help with stormwater planning and sewage pipe protection for local and neighbouring communities.

Acting Mayor Jim Lequire said, “This funding is helping Fort St. John take critical steps to reduce flood risk and protect our community. Upgrades to the Bouffioux Coulee berm, a new sewer outfall pipeline and River Drive embankment improvements will reduce flood risks, safeguard critical infrastructure and strengthen our readiness for extreme-weather events.”

The province said it is supporting First Nations and local governments with projects that address natural and climate-driven hazards, such as floods, drought, extreme temperatures, earthquakes and landslides.

The province is providing more than $40 million for 61 projects with the money coming from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.