MPGA Seeks Disaster Assistance

WINNIPEG - Jul 7/05 - SNS -- The Manitoba Pulse Growers Association appealed directly to Canada's federal agriculture minister for disaster relief for farmers in southern and central Manitoba on account of widespread flooding so far this year.

In a letter to Agriculture Minister Reg Alcock by association president Lincoln Wolfe, the group said is "cannot emphasize enough how critical the situation is in southern and central Manitoba at this time. We urge you to provide a prompt response to calls for disaster assistance to maintain the rural economy and repair infrastructure. Time is of the essence."

The association noted that the federal minister had earlier indicated federal government would provide 90% of the disaster relief bill, once it tops $5 million.

"There is significant flooding in many regions of Manitoba, with more than 90 municipalities asking for disaster financial assistance. On a provincial basis it is currently estimated that the disaster is closer to $225 to $300 million," Wolfe wrote.

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