The Town of Battleford has applied for PDAP funding to help fix erosion around the North Span Truss Bridge. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Erosion relief

Battleford applies for PDAP funding to fix bridge erosion

Jul 24, 2020 | 2:09 PM

Following record highs in water levels and rainfall that began on July 6, the Town of North Battleford is looking for assistance in fixing the damage done around the embankment of the North Saskatchewan Trestle Bridge.

Town Council approved the resolution to apply for additional funding through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). The high water levels resulted in some erosion at the south lead-in to the structure that connects the northbridge to Finlayson Island, resulting in its closure.

“We thought we should look to PDAP or the government to help fix this erosion problem,” Mayor Ames Leslie said. “Eventually we could look to reopen the bridge if that application is successful.”

The town has a $380,000 PDAP deductible, determined by the program, and based on the taxable assessment of the Town. Should the application be successful, the Town would co-invest in the project, an amount decided on at a later date.

Before moving forward, following a successful application, engineering studies would have to be done prior to starting work. Leslie doesn’t foresee the bridge reopening until at least the spring.

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“It may be even later into next summer before we see any resolution come forward,” he said.

Having the bridge closed to the public does limit people walking or biking across Finlayson Island. However, Leslie said he isn’t expecting that to result in major issues with that affecting the community

“There are some people who work at Saskatchewan hospital who live in Battleford that use that bridge,” he said. “So that definitely puts them at an inconvenience, but we have to look at the safety of everyone in Battleford.”

Battleford’s original application to PDAP, in order to be designated as a disaster area, was approved on July 15. This will allow for potential financial assistance to residents who experienced severe flooding in their homes.

MEEP Funding Update

The Town expects to spend the majority of the $636,573 in Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) Grant funding this year, however, some of the spendings will be carried over into 2021.

Multiple projects are partially completed, if not in full like the 35 Street Overlay project, but others like sidewalk development and campground expansion will not finish in 2020. Leslie said there’s some urgency in carrying out all of these items efficiently so that everything is completed before the province’s deadline for the grant.

“We have until about March of 2022 to use the money,” he said. “So council plans to have it accounted for within the next fiscal budget.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports