Federal Disaster Aid for Maine Surpasses $17 Million 

Release Date: August 15, 2007
Release Number: 1691/1693-029

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AUGUSTA, Maine - In the aftermath of the spring storms and flooding more than $17 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help Maine residents and communities recover, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As a result of the mid-March storms and flooding, more than $1.1 million in Public Assistance (PA) has been obligated for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo county applicants. Damage from the nor'easter has elicited more than $10.6 million in Public Assistance reimbursements so far for the 13 counties designated for assistance on April 25, that include Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, Washington and York.

The Public Assistance program provides reimbursement for eligible costs incurred for emergency response, debris removal or repair of damaged roads, bridges and public buildings. FEMA provides the assistance for local governments, state agencies and certain private nonprofits performing government functions.

FEMA has delivered more than $1.7 million under the Individuals and Households program to Maine residents to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance. Another $135,600 has been approved for personal property loss, medical or dental costs and other significant disaster-related expenses. More than 2,700 households applied for assistance following President Bush’s disaster declaration on April 25, which designated six Maine counties eligible for Individual Assistance.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling nearly $3.5 million for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair their dwellings or businesses, replace damaged personal property and compensate for lost revenue.

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 at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Helpline hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For questions regarding SBA disaster loans, call 1-800-659-2955 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, or 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Aug-2007 16:37:04