| November 25, 2009 MLA LES STRESSES THE SIGNIFIGANCE OF FLOOD PROTECTION VICTORIA – This week Chilliwack MLA John Les stood in the legislature to reiterate the value of flood protection in the Fraser Valley. “In the Fraser Valley we have always been acutely aware of the need to ensure that we maintain our dikes and manage the river to ensure that we're protected from flooding and excessive seepage,” said Les. “My constituents were pleased recently when $5 million of infrastructure funding was provided to further improve the dikes in the Chilliwack area. However, dike improvement and maintenance are not enough. The river itself needs to be managed.” Les believes strongly that the removal of gravel deposits from the Fraser River is paramount in preventing high water levels which in turn create excessive seepage and flooding in the region. “Every year on average, about 50,000 truckloads of gravel washes into the Chilliwack reach of the river. Left unaddressed, this inevitably raises the elevation of the river bottom, compromising the dikes and leading to more seepage of surrounding farmlands,” added Les. “Happily, over the last five years, working closely with first nations, engineers, river hydrologists and environmental consultants, an organized and thoughtful gravel removal program has been put in place. On average, 230,000 tonne of gravel have been removed each year.” Ensuring precautionary steps are taken well in advance of the flooding season is the most effective way of mitigating the effects that flooding may have in the region. Since 2007 there have been seven projects worth more than $6.5 million approved in Chilliwack aimed at lowering the risk of flooding. -30- | |
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