Massive hailstorm that pummelled Calgary area qualifies for provincial aid

Provincial money will flow to help municipalitiesand citizens cover costs tied to the massive hail and rain storm that pummelled the Calgary area on June 13.

A dollar figure for that aid package had yet to be determined.

Premier Jason Kenney said on Thursday that municipalities will submit applications to the province for expenses and damages incurred during the storm and citizens are encouraged to deal with their insurance companies.

The funding will cover uninsurable losses to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. There will also be financing for costs incurred by municipalities responding to the emergency and for cleanup.

Kenney said an assessment determined the storm was an "extraordinary event" and qualified for provincial assistance.

The premier said 99 per cent of damage on private property is covered by insurance and that there have been over 35,000 claims submitted so far.

He said nearly 400 homes and small businesses suffered some form of overland flood damage, which does qualify for government support.

The money from the province will flow to Calgary, Airdrie and Rocky View County on an expedited basis.