Fife Council is to invest £19.5 million into battling flooding caused by climate change over the next decade.
An investment of £9m over the next three years has also been made to replace the council’s aging fleet including essential gulley tankers that will keep roads and gulleys clear.
The money is being invested as the coast of Fife continues to be affected by the impact of climate change.
Environment spokesperson Councillor Jan Wincott believes it will help improve flooding schemes and design work on others so the council is in a position to bid for Scottish Government funding when it becomes available.
She said: “Millions of pounds are needed to tackle these problems which are often extremely complex because of land ownership and the different watercourses involved. However, we are working hard to try and alleviate problems in the worst hit areas, and we have invested in a number of flood studies to better understand local issues.
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“That’s coupled with the fact that we are also a coastal authority and our coastal communities are also under pressure from erosion and flooding.”
The money to replace the gulley tankers will be a big help to the council as it will allow them to clean and clear gullies that allow water to drain freely.
Two new tankers have already been purchased to help improve reliability and performance. The last two remaining vehicles will also be replaced in the near future.
Cllr Wincott added: "We are committed to doing everything we can to mitigate the impact of flooding in Fife. However, with severe weather events becoming more common we have to work together with our communities to get better at planning for them and being prepared for when they happen."
