Spring flood waters have long dissipated, yet municipalities along the Red River in southern Manitoba are still waiting to find out whether they will be compensated for flood preparation.

Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewen says when the province suggested the Red could spill its banks in a significant way, they made sure they were ready. And, though only minor flooding occurred this spring, that was not before rural municipalities had already spent big dollars to ensure their residents were protected.

Ewen says Ritchot spent about $130,000. He suggests just slightly more than $100,000 of that was for preventive purposes. There were also costs associated with some evacuations in very low sections in the Howden area.

But, three other municipalities all spent more than Ritchot this spring. In the RM of Morris, the total was $150,000, while Emerson-Franklin reached $500,000 and Montcalm $1.5 million.

At the time of the election call, the province had yet to announce whether municipalities would be compensated through Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).

"I'm a bit flustered," admits Ewen. "It does frustrate me a little bit to see the process of helping out your municipal government at a provincial or federal level even. So it's a conundrum for me."

The four municipalities have now joined forces in an effort to try and receive compensation. Ewen says they have contacted each provincial party, asking that if elected they ensure their (DFA) claims go through.

"We haven't received anything yet," says Ewen. "We're waiting and we're positive that each leader will help us and we have to just stay persistent."

Meanwhile, Ewen says going forward, there needs to be better preparation to make sure they are not wasting $130,000. He suggests local farmers are a wealth of knowledge, referring to them as a Farmer's Almanac, who could be consulted on flooding matters.

"I would like to see the DFA claim go through because that money could go towards infrastructure improvements and making sure our taxpayers are well taken care of," adds Ewen.