The RM of Morris have applied for disaster assistance to help cover the cost of drainage work brought on by strong winds blowing soil into ditches this spring.

Twenty-five miles of urgent clean-up has been completed, with a total cost of $68,540.

"We responded quickly... and hired machines to clean out the ditches in the event of a heavy rain, so that our drainage infrastructure would remain as effective as possible," said RM of Morris Reeve Ralph Greening.

It took 3 weeks to complete the work using hired equipment, since the RM's machines are busy working on this year's drain maintenance plan. Municipal taxes are used to cover the cost of cleaning out the soil.

"We have no by-law or policy in place that allows us for any options other than to absorb the cost," explained Greening. "However, we have made applications to the Province of Manitoba for disaster financial assistance and are waiting right now for a response."

In the last 10 years, Groening said they've had a few similar events such as this one.

"Council will be reviewing our policy to try to identify ways in which we can mitigate future events like this," he added.

"We have spent close to three quarters of a million dollars on the maintenance of, and removal of drift soil, in our drainage ditches over the past 10 years. It can be, and is, and has been, a serious issue in the past."

The RM has been approved for Disaster Financial Assistance in the past, and Groening hopes they'll receive help again this year.