Improvements to the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program as a result of a stormy summer will cost the Saskatchewan treasury an additional $100 million this year, of which $40 million will be spent on road repairs.
The program provides financial aid for essential, uninsurable property damage caused by floods, tornadoes, plow winds or severe storms.
"It has been an exceptional summer," said Premier Brad Wall.
Changes include decreasing the deductible for private claimants to 5 per cent from 20 per cent, increasing the maximum amount of assistance available for principal residences to $240,000 from $160,000 and for eligible small businesses, non-profits, boards and primary agriculture enterprises to $500,000 from $160,000.
Money advanced to victims to relocate immediately after a disaster will no longer be deducted from the final claim.
In addition, Saskatchewan residency requirements for small-business and agriculture enterprise owners have been eliminated. All changes are retroactive to April 1.
Wall said the lower deductible would be of great benefit.
"For someone dealing with $10,000 in damage to his or her property and coming up with $500 is going to be a lot easier than $2,000," he said.
More than 100 communities were designated as eligible disaster areas after heavy rains and tornadoes this summer.
from Western Investor, October 2010
