Perth-Andover flooding to be studied, says Fitch

A month after a devastating flood hit Perth-Andover, the provincial government has announced plans to study the cause and look for ways to prevent future flooding.

But many people in the northwestern New Brunswick village are more interested in what the government is going to do about the current situation.

Environment and Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch announced the creation of a new working group on Tuesday.

It will "study the options available to Perth Andover and Tobique First Nation, with a mandate to report back at the end of August," Fitch said during members comments.

The group will investigate what, if anything, can be done to the river to prevent future floods, what can be done to protect the village and surrounding areas, and what can be done to protect individual properties, he said.

The record flood caused the village of 1,770 people to evacuate about one-third of the community on March 23. The flood level was roughly 1.5 metres higher than the last major flood in 1987.

Waiting for assistance

On Tuesday, residents told CBC News theyre frustrated by the slow pace of disaster financial assistance from the province.

About 260 property owners are still waiting to hear how much money theyll get to rebuild.

"You know, do we get our house all boarded up and completed again? Do we hire that contractor, not knowing if there's any government assistance?" said Al McPhail, chair of the village's flood victims community.

'So people are now, they don't know what to do. They're living in a state of despair here right now.' Property owner Al McPhail

"The government says there's gonna be assistance. But no one has been told, Yes, you qualify for this amount, so proceed," he said.

"So people are now, they don't know what to do. They're living in a state of despair here right now."

McPhail's building, whichheld three businesses and six apartments,had about two feet of flood water.

He estimates replacing the electrical panels, floors, walls, wiring and plumbing will cost about $135,000.

Misty Smith has received a $4,000 advance on financial assistanceenough to begin replacing the walls, floors and baseboards in her home.

She's hoping for $40,000 in assistance, but so far, it's tied up in paperwork.

"There's a paper in your [Emergency Measures Organization] booklet that has to be signed off by insurance companies saying yes you have coverage, or no you don't.

"So until that paper is signed off, I can't send it to EMO. EMO can't issue a payment and give me a full amount until that paper is signed off. So my EMO claim is on hold."

Some seek relocation

But there's something else Smith wants evenmore than the compensation.

"I just wantit moved. Thats all," she said. "I mean, get it outta harm's way."

The government hasn't said much about the idea of relocating houses for people like Smith.

But Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors insisted in the legislature Tuesday that property damage is being assessed as quickly as possible.

"Government has received 246 applications for Disaster Financial Assistance, a program that provides emergency service and financial assistance to affected property owners," he said.

"Adjusters have visited the majority of affected properties. Approximately 86 advance payments have already been issued."

Meanwhile, an Emergency Measures Organization official met with some homeowners Tuesday about buying them out.

The province hasn't bought out any flood-damaged properties in Perth-Andover yet, according to the EMO.

If it does, homeowners will get a maximum of $80,000, plus the value of contents.

The new working group will consist of representatives from the departments of Environment and Local Government, Public Safety, Aboriginal Affairs, the Tobique First Nation, and the Village of Perth Andover.

It will consult with other provincial and federal departments and agencies, including NB Power.