SUSSEX, N.B. – The New Brunswick government has launched a disaster financial assistance program for homes, businesses and communities affected by flooding in the province this year.
Public Safety Minister Bruce Northrup made the announcement Friday in front of many flood victims.
“It’s an emotional time,” he said. “I wanted to get the announcement out as soon as I could.”
READ MORE: Flooding in New Brunswick
Northrup is the MLA for the Sussex area, the area hardest hit by recent flooding. The morning of April 16, water rose within minutes and wrecked havoc on the communities of Sussex and Sussex Corner.
About 540 homes and businesses have already reported flood damage, many of them in the Sussex area.
An office will be opened in Sussex on May 5.
“One of the first things people can do is apply for advanced payment, for people suffering from over $10,000 worth of damage,” said EMO recovery manager Lisa Munn.
Applications will be mailed to residents or they can find them on the government website.
The total damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure across the province is estimated at $12 million.
The maximum assistance for structural repairs to private residences will be set at $120,000, up from the previous amount of $80,000.
For businesses and not-for-profits, a maximum allowable amount of $500,000 has been established.
The province will also offer buy-out of up to $120,000 in cases where damage has reached more than 80 per cent of the appraised property value.
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