WRA Applies Rigorous Review to Flood Control Funding　Advances Systematic Flood Management with Local Governments

In response to public concern regarding the central government's support for the management and improvement of locally administered rivers and regional drainage systems, the Water Resources Agency (WRA) stated on June 13 that it has continuously assisted local governments in mitigating flood risks since the launch of the "Regulation Project of Flood-Prone Area" in 2006.

The WRA noted that this effort has been carried forward through a series of major initiatives, including the Integrated River Basin Management Program, the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program – Water Environment Improvement Projects, and the current NT$100 billion, four-year Comprehensive Improvement Program for Locally Administered Rivers and Regional Drainage Systems in Response to Climate Change. Through sustained budget allocations and close cooperation between the central and local governments, the WRA has supported local authorities in implementing flood mitigation measures aimed at reducing inconvenience to residents and minimizing property losses caused by flooding.

According to the WRA, the improvement rate of locally administered rivers and regional drainage systems has increased from 19% to 45%. Through rigorous project review and implementation processes, flood control efforts have already begun to deliver tangible results. Moving forward, the WRA will continue to build on the longstanding partnership between the central and local governments and work closely together to advance flood management and water governance initiatives.

Regarding Premier Jung-Tai Cho's inspection of the progress of the Wailu Drainage Improvement Project in Nantou County on June 13, the Nantou County Government raised concerns over the increased local matching funds required for flood control projects. In response, the WRA explained that since the launch of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program in 2017, Nantou County has primarily focused on watershed management and flood prevention in mountainous areas. From the commencement of the program in 2017 through the period of Typhoon Gaemi in July 2024, the county government did not submit any proposal to the central government for the improvement of the Wailu Drainage system.

Following Typhoon Gaemi, Nantou County proposed the Wailu Drainage Improvement Project. In response, the Ministry of Economic Affairs(MOEA) approved a subsidy of NT$1.23 billion by the end of August 2024, enabling the county government to proceed with the project at the earliest possible opportunity. However, as the county government was unable to complete the procurement and contract award process by the end of 2025, no contractual obligations had been incurred, and the funding therefore could not be retained under the applicable budgetary regulations.

The WRA further noted that, following the amendment of the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, local governments have received substantially increased financial resources. Accordingly, central government subsidies are now provided based on each local government's fiscal capacity classification.

The rehabilitation and improvement project for the Maoluo River is being implemented under a comprehensive, watershed-wide flood management strategy. The project focuses on addressing bottleneck sections along the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the river through targeted dredging and improvement works. Sediment removed from designated dredging sections will be strategically placed in river reaches vulnerable to scouring and erosion. Appropriate quantities will also be supplied downstream to replenish coastal sand resources and help mitigate shoreline erosion. Any surplus excavated material will be transported off-site and disposed of properly to ensure the overall safety of the river flood-control system.

The WRA further explained that it places great importance on all engineering proposals submitted by the Nantou County Government. Each proposal undergoes field inspections and reviews by experts and scholars, with approvals determined through a comprehensive assessment of local flooding conditions, implementation capacity, and other relevant factors.

Under the ongoing four-year NT$100 billion flood-control program, the MOEA approved four emergency engineering projects proposed by the Nantou County Government on May 21, 2026, with a total budget of NT$54.77 million. In addition, all four river management projects submitted by the county government were reviewed and approved by the inter-ministerial coordination task force on June 9 and are expected to receive final approval before the end of June. Upon approval, the county government will be requested to apply to the WRA for the disbursement of project funds in accordance with established procedures and construction progress.

The WRA emphasized that flood control budgets should be allocated precisely and efficiently, rather than being distributed evenly among local governments or based on land area. Instead, allocations are determined by factors such as the severity of flooding in each locality, recent flooding history, local implementation capacity, and overall budgetary considerations for the year, followed by a rigorous and professional review process before final approval.

The agency noted that counties in southwestern Taiwan receive greater funding due to their low-lying terrain, which makes them more prone to flooding and slower water recession. In contrast, Nantou County, characterized by mountainous terrain, has historically focused on landslide prevention and watershed management. However, the WRA stated that it will give due attention to flood-related issues raised by the Nantou County Government and will not overlook flood control efforts in the area. Assistance will be provided in accordance with the aforementioned principles to the greatest extent possible.

The WRA further explained that the Wailu Drainage Project is being implemented through a comprehensive, system-wide flood management approach. The project includes the construction of detention ponds, pumping stations, outlet sluice gates, diversion channels, and the raising of embankments. Given its large scale and the complexity of multiple construction interfaces, completion is currently scheduled for May 2029.

However, in light of the uncertainties posed by climate change, Premier Cho instructed relevant authorities to expedite the project and complete it before the 2029 flood season, enabling local residents to benefit from enhanced flood protection at an earlier stage. The WRA stated that it will assist and oversee the Nantou County Government in accelerating project implementation in accordance with the Premier's directive, ensuring that the flood control infrastructure delivers maximum effectiveness and achieves the objectives of minimizing flooded areas, shortening water recession times, and maintaining the highest safety standards.

Source: Water Resources Agency