Honcurable Jeanne. Sauvé August 20, 1975

! am prepared to accept the recommendations of the Fraser
River Joint Advisory Board in order that essential dyking projects proceed
without undue delay. .

Yours very truly,

Robert Willams,
Minister.

/

MINISTER OF LANDS. FORESTS AND WATER RESOURCES

VICTORIA
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CAKACA

August 21, 1975

Hr. A. C. Kelly, Chairman,

Greater Vancouver Regional District,
2294 Wes. 10th Avenue, _
Vancouver, British Columbia.

Dear Hr. Kelly:

Thank you for your letter dated July 29, 1975 concerning
the Canada-B8ritish Columbia flood control Agreement. ! canwell under-
stand your concern in this matter.

Earlier this year ! was informed by the federal government
that they had funding constraints that would affect both the 1975-76
total program outlined in the Clood contro! Agreement.

After discussion with Madame Sauveé, ! agreed that in the light of these

constraints the Fraser River Joint Advisory Board should review the program
and that, In any rescheduling, priority should be given to rehabilitation
of the dykes. As you are well aware, a break in the main dykes could have
disastrous consequences for the Province and, for this reason, must be given
priority.

. The Advisory Board has now reported back to Madame Sauve and
myself with a number of recommendat tons. These recommendations are based:
on our understanding of federal fiscal constraints and, as you point cut,
thts could mean substantial delay in the implementation of essential
drainage works.. While |! am not happy with the Situation, 1 must take the
position that If priorities are to be established, then first priority must:
go to the dykes.

tam enclosing a copy of my letter to Madame Sauve, outlining
our position.
. I fully recognize that this creates « difficult situation for
a number of municipalities who have entered into egreements with the Province.
However, these agrements are based on the availability of federal and
provincial funds and the simple fact is that federa? constraints have placed
a limit on the inmediate availability of these funds.

! am certainly prepared to meet with the Regional District

to discuss this problem, but would suggest that this meeting be delayed

until I have recetved the federal position on the Advisory Board
recommendation.

Yours very truly,

I) poy
y, of
d Ne Lid .
Robert Williams, - 27
Kinister.