Nova Scotia communities affected by flooding could soon see some financial help from the province.

The Nova Scotia government is setting up a five-year funding scheme for which at-risk municipalities can apply.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” says Joan Hatton, whose Brookfield home flooded last month.

“I mean, we’ve set here for the last few years dealing with the flood issues and stuff, to not know from one day to the next if you’re going to get any help from anybody.”

MLA Lenore Zann made the funding announcement today in Truro - an area that has seen its fair share of flooding over the years.

She says the government will provide $3 million a year, for five years, in funding to address flooding risks in vulnerable communities across the province.

Each year, $300,000 will be used for risk assessments, $700,000 will go toward infrastructure - matched 50 per cent by the municipality - and $2 million will help improve dikes and berms.

In the first year of the framework, funding will be available for Truro and Colchester County because they are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Other municipalities will be able to apply afterwards.

“Their money, plus our money, contributed into one pot for $2 million of mitigation is beyond my wildest expectations,” says Truro Mayor Bill Mills.

Some details are still being worked out, such as when the money will be made available.

Homeowner and Progressive Conservative candidate Charles Cox hopes it’s sooner rather than later.

“I’m ecstatic that something’s being done or attempted to be done, but I only hope it’s not kind of a carrot and a stick, you know, if you don’t vote us back in, it won’t get done.”

Hatton is also hopeful, as it could mean help for the culvert in front of her home.

“Boy, I sure am hopeful. I can only keep my fingers and toes crossed and hope, hope and hope that someone will somehow be able to help us with this predicament we’re in,” she says.

How much funding a community will receives will depend on the project, and applications will be considered on a priority basis.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster