N.S. announces funding package for flood victims

Torrential rains caused extensive flooding throughout many parts of central Nova Scotia on Sept. 10, 2012.

Those hardest hit by last month’s flooding in central Nova Scotia received some good news Thursday.

The province has introduced a new disaster financial assistance plan which allows homeowners and businesses to claim up to $80,000 in flood relief.

Victoria Reid’s home was nearly washed away last month when heavy rains caused major flooding in the Truro area.

“I was in water up to my knees. I’m saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve got to get out of here,’” says Reid.

“I was taken out on a bucket loader, my dog and myself.”

Her floor, walls and appliances were destroyed by floodwaters and her entire home needs to be rebuilt.

Adding to her pain, Reid could not get insurance because of her home’s proximity to potential flood areas.

She says she was in panic mode, until today’s announcement.

“I'm just ecstatic,” says Reid. “It's an unbelievable blessing."

Citing $2.6 million in overall flood damage, the province is raising the cap on assistance claims by $30,000.

“We will be covering anybody who has uninsurable damages,” says Truro-Bible Hill NDP MLA Lenore Zann.

Those with uninsurable damages within the counties of Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Pictou and in the Halifax Regional Municipality will be eligible for assistance.

“If you’re a homeowner, if you’re the operator of a business whose revenue is $2 million a year or less, you will now be able to claim up to $80,000 in disaster relief assistance,” says Zann.

Non-profit organizations are eligible for up to $200,000 and applicants will receive their money within 30 days.

The province is asking the federal government to share the cost, but for now, Nova Scotia will cover the financial relief on its own - something that concerns the opposition Liberals.

“There is a maximum for their application, but no max for the numbers that could apply. That number could grow," says Karen Casey, Conservative MLA for Colchester North.

Applications for relief are now available through EMO and Access Nova Scotia.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh