In a news release, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure gave more information about the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program for those affected by flooding between June 6th and July 1st.
They say the Emergency Management Organization will be using a Rapid Residential Assessment Model, or RRAM, for damage assessments, and is designed to speed up the process of getting homeowners back in their basements.
"The model calculates an initial assistance payment based on factors such as water depth, basement size, room type, level of finishing and restoration needs. It also includes emergency work costs such as water extraction, removal of damaged materials and disposal," read part of the news release.
The RRAM only covers building resotration costs, as damaged household contents are assessed separately. The Province says those assessments are meant to reflect the average replacement cost of essential and basic items, not the original purchase price or premium replacements. Appliances are reimbursed on invoices, up to program maximums.
"The programs focus on helping Manitobans recover essential living conditions. The programs do not cover luxury or non-essential items such as decorative landscaping, outdoor furniture, decks, antiques or collector’s items," read part of the news release.
Furnaces, hot water tanks, and water treatment systems may also be eligible for assistance, as they may be considered building components. Structural and site repairs caused by flooding may also be included in coverage.
According to the Province, "Under the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program, individual claims assistance is capped at $3 million, minus the deductable, up to the cost of repairs or the assessed value of the property, whichever is lower. A deductible of $2,500 or 20% of the eligible assistance amount, whichever is great, applies to all claims, and is deducted from the approved payment amount." Put simply: Maximum assistance is $3 million, up to the total cost of repairs, or your assessed property value, whichever is lower. Your deductible is either $2,500, or 20% of your eligible assitance amount, whichever is more.
For example, if you have $100,000 of eligible damage, 20% of that is $20,000, so the Province would cover $80,000. If your repairs cost $400,000, but the property's assessed value is $350,000, the 20% deductible is removed from the lower amount, being $350,000. The Province would cover $280,000 meaning you'd have a deductible of $70,000.
The Province says most eligible Manitobans have already received the initial $500 payment, designed to be way to get things started a bit quicker. They encourage applicants to submit necessary information, including pictures, invoices, receipts, and estimates as soon as possible. They expect RRAM payments to start being sent out within a few weeks. Click here for more details about the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program.
