The government has approved the business case for a project designed to reduce the risk of flooding in Oxford.
The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme was initially expected to cost £176m, but the Environment Agency (EA) said it had agreed to a £220m deal with contractor GRAHAM.
It will create a new route for floodwater west of Oxford, storing it in deepened flood meadows and keeping it away from at-risk areas like Botley and Abingdon Road.
The EA blamed inflation for the increased cost, but said the benefits of reducing flooding will mean a return of £9 for every £1 spent on it.
Read BBC News here
Read