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Bo'ness flood prevention
13/08/2007
Proposals to provide flood defences in Bo'ness to protect hundreds of homes and businesses in the area have been confirmed today.
Minister for the Environment Michael Russell said:
"I am pleased to announce confirmation which means Falkirk Council can go ahead with the flood prevention scheme for Bo'ness foreshore.
"There is clearly a need for a sound flood prevention scheme in Bo'ness, to improve defences to provide a continuous barrier along the foreshore between Kinniel to Carriden to protect the town centre from tidal floods.
"This scheme will provide businesses and residents in Bo'ness with a high level of protection taking account of the likely impacts of climate change over the life of the scheme and will also be sympathetic to the environment, in particular the water environment and will deliver value for money.
"The new Scottish Government is committed to protecting vulnerable communities from the threat of flooding, by supporting local authorities' efforts to reduce flood risk."
The Executive has made £42 million of grant funding available in 2007/08 to local authorities to support flood prevention and coastal protection schemes. Confirmed flood prevention schemes which meet the Executive's technical, environmental and economic criteria are eligible for grant support at 80 per cent.
The £8 million Bo'ness scheme proposes improving defences to provide continuous embankment/barriers along the foreshore between Kinniel in the west to Carriden at the east end of the town.