More than 1,400 flood defence projects will receive funding as part of a £2.3Bn Government investment over the next six years, the Treasury has revealed.
These projects are expected to protect 300,000 homes and form part of the updated National Infrastructure Plan, unveiled ahead of this week’s Autumn Statement.
Among the major flood defence projects set to receive funding are the Thames Estuary flood alleviation scheme, which will receive £196M, and the Humber Estuary which will get £80M for improvements.
Other investments will include £73M for the Boston barrier in Lincolnshire, £47M for coastal defence improvements for Rossall, Lancashire, £42M for the Oxford western conveyance scheme and £17M for local defences in the Tonbridge area.
Ministers have also committing to spend an extra £15.5M on flood defences in Somerset over the next six years, including £4.2M on the Somerset Levels and Moors, as part of £35M committed to the region.
Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: “We all saw the destruction and heartache caused by flooding last year and that is why this investment is vital to build up Britain’s defences for the future.
“The projects we are announcing today will protect some of the country’s most at risk locations ensuring that we will be as prepared as possible for future severe weather.”
Also as part of the National Infrastructure Plan, funding has been identified for the Moorfield nuclear power station in Sellafield. Ministers have also committed to funding talks for the £750M Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project.
The Government is expected to reveal a range of future railway improvement projects later today. Among those tipped to be approved are a new railway between Plymouth and Exeter to avoid Dawlish, where a sea wall breach caused the line to be closed earlier this year.
Photo copyright Chris Wheal and licenced for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
