Water Resources Agency: Local Financial Resources Increased Due to Fiscal Law Amendment; Flood Control Subsidies to Be Tiered by Municipal Financial Capacity

(Central News Agency reporter Chao Min-ya, Taipei, June 13) Regarding central government assistance for the management of county-managed rivers and regional drainage systems, the Water Resources Agency stated today that after Typhoon Gaemi, the Ministry of Economic Affairs swiftly approved NT$1.23 billion in August 2024 to support Nantou County in advancing the Wailuo drainage improvement project. However, the county government failed to issue tenders and could not proceed with fund retention. With the amendment of the Fiscal Responsibilities Act, local governments now receive significantly increased financial resources, so subsidies will henceforth be allocated based on the financial capacity of local governments.

In an evening press release, the Water Resources Agency stated that since 2006, it has implemented the "Flood Control Program for Flood-Prone Areas," with the central government assisting localities in improving flood control. This has evolved through the Watershed Comprehensive Management Program and the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Water Environment Program, to the current four-year, NT$100 billion "Integrated Improvement Program for County-Managed Rivers and Drainage Systems in Response to Climate Change." The agency continues to secure budgets to assist local governments in mitigating flood risks and reducing public inconvenience and property losses caused by flooding.

The Water Resources Agency noted that the improvement rate for county-managed rivers and regional drainage systems has increased from 19% to 45%. Under rigorous review, flood control efforts have begun to show initial results. Moving forward, the agency will continue the past cooperative model between central and local governments to advance flood control initiatives.

Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected the progress of the Wailuo drainage improvement project in Nantou County today, where the county government raised concerns about increased local funding requirements for flood control projects. The Water Resources Agency explained that since the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Program began in 2017, Nantou County’s focus has been on watershed conservation and flood prevention. From 2017 until Typhoon Gaemi in July 2024, the county did not report any need for Wailuo drainage improvement to the central government.

The Water Resources Agency stated that after Typhoon Gaemi, Nantou County reported the need for the Wailuo drainage improvement project, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs swiftly approved NT$1.23 billion in subsidies by the end of August 2024. However, the county government failed to complete tendering for the project by the end of 2025, and since no fiscal liability was incurred, fund retention could not be processed. With the amendment of the Fiscal Responsibilities Act, local governments now receive significantly increased financial resources, so subsidies will be allocated based on municipal financial capacity.

Regarding the improvement of the Maoluo Creek, the Water Resources Agency stated that a comprehensive, watershed-wide flood control approach is being adopted. Improvement and dredging work will be carried out at bottleneck sections along the upper, middle, and lower reaches. Sand and sediment from dredged sections will be thickened in areas at risk of erosion, and an appropriate amount of sand will be supplied downstream to prevent coastal erosion. Any excess excavated material will be properly disposed of, such as through removal, to maintain overall river flood defense safety.

The Water Resources Agency emphasized that it takes all engineering needs reported by Nantou County very seriously. All projects undergo on-site inspections and reviews by experts and scholars, and funding is approved after comprehensive consideration of local flooding conditions and implementation capacity. Under the ongoing four-year, NT$100 billion flood control program, the Ministry of Economic Affairs approved NT$54.77 million for four emergency projects in Nantou County on May 21, 2026. Additionally, the four improvement projects reported by the county have been fully approved by the inter-ministerial promotion group on June 9 and are expected to be formally approved by the end of June. The county government is then required to apply for disbursement of construction funds from the Water Resources Agency according to project progress.

The Water Resources Agency stressed that flood control budgets must be used precisely—like a knife's edge—not distributed equally among counties or based on area size. Instead, allocations consider the severity of flooding, recent flood events, local implementation capacity, and annual budget needs, and are approved through a professional and rigorous review process.

The agency noted that southwestern counties are more prone to flooding due to low-lying terrain and poor drainage, so they receive higher budget allocations. In contrast, Nantou County, with its mountainous terrain, has historically focused on watershed conservation and disaster prevention. However, if Nantou County reports flood-related needs, these will be taken seriously, and flood control efforts in Nantou will not be overlooked. Assistance will be provided as much as possible in accordance with the above principles.

The Water Resources Agency stated that the Wailuo drainage project adopts a systemic approach, including the construction of new detention basins, pumping stations, outlet gates, flood diversion channels, and elevated embankments. Due to its large scale and complex interfaces, completion is expected by May 2029.

Considering the uncertainty of climate change, Premier Cho Jung-tai today requested that the project be expedited to finish before the 2028 typhoon season, to reduce flood threats earlier. The Water Resources Agency will assist and urge the Nantou County government to accelerate completion as instructed, ensuring flood control infrastructure achieves maximum effectiveness and meets the goals of "minimum flooded area, shortest drainage time, and highest safety standards." (Edited by Lin Ko-lun) 1150613