Maine Disaster Assistance Tops $5 Million for Spring Floods
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Release Number: 1755-026
» More Information on Maine Severe Storms and Flooding
AUGUSTA, Maine - According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), more than $5,139,716 in assistance has been approved following the severe storms and flooding that struck the northern and mid-coast regions of Maine this spring. Of that total, more than $1.9 million in grants and loans have been provided to Maine households.
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program has approved a total of $1,131,704. This includes $977,494 for housing assistance to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging, and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance. In addition, $154,209 was approved for personal property loss, medical or dental costs and other significant disaster-related expenses. A total of 466 households in Penobscot and Aroostook Counties registered for assistance after President Bush approved a federal disaster declaration on May 9.
FEMA's Public Assistance program provides funding reimbursement for eligible costs incurred for emergency response or damage to public infrastructure. Assistance was made available to Aroostook, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo Counties. To date, FEMA has obligated funding for 514 requests totaling $3,164,412.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling $843,600 for 26 residents and business owners.
Although the registration period has ended, individuals who have applied for assistance and have additional questions may visit www.fema.gov or call the FEMA Helpline Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-Jul-2008 15:34:32