With the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA) predicting above normal to well above normal spring runoff in Humboldt and area, it is a good thing some new flood protection funding is being offered to municipalities this year.
Towns and cities in areas with the potential for flooding issues can apply for flood protection through SWA.
Both Watson and LeRoy have already applied for flood protection this year.
"We were the first ones in our area to register with the Watershed Authority," said Mike Saretsky, mayor of Watson.
Ever since 2006, when 12 homes were flooded and there was property damage over $300,000, Watson has been having problems with spring flooding, said Saretsky.
With creeks bordering the town on both the east and west sides of the town, they have the threat of flooding over their heads every year.
"We've been lucky the last couple of years and now that the flood conditions are so favourable, we're not betting our luck again to get by without another flood," said Saretsky.
SWA sent out an engineer to work with the town to create a plan that will help eliminate some of their flooding issues.
The Saskatchewan government will cover 50 per cent of temporary structures, 75 per cent of long-term flood solutions and 100 per cent of technical support, which includes consultants, such as engineers.
"We were going to do this stuff anyway - we need to (in order) to protect our town - so it's nice that they will help with some of the costs," said Sartesky.
LeRoy just recently applied, so they have not heard back from SWA, but are hoping for some help with their flooding issues as well, said Anne Block, LeRoy town administrator.
"As far as I know, they will be getting us in contact with an engineer," said Block.
They heard about the flood protection at the SUMA convention and decided to apply for it.
"Last year we had lots of flooding in the community," said Block.
"We are removing as much snow as we can, within reason, from the town - clearing back alleys and removing snow piles from the town."
SWA will provide the town with the engineering expertise they need to fix some of their problems, such as seepage issues with the sewage system and lift station.
"It's great that the government is willing to help," said Block.
