FEMA And State Schedule Briefings For Local Officials For Snow Removal Assistance
Release Date: March 17, 2005
Release Number: 3206-002
BOSTON, Mass. -- Briefings for local Maine officials to explain the process of applying for federal disaster assistance in the wake of the record and near-record snowfalls of January and February, have been scheduled to start on Friday, March 18th, U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials announced today. The complete schedule is attached.
At the request of Governor John E. Baldacci, President Bush signed both emergency declarations on March 14th. The declaration for the January 22-23 storm will provide assistance for a period of 72 hours for Cumberland and York counties. The second declaration for the February 10-11 storm provides assistance for a 48 hour period for Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and York counties.
"These briefings are designed to help local officials understand eligibility requirements and the reimbursement process," Steven P. Burgess, state coordinating officer said. "Community officials will designate the crucial hours for each storm when work crews cleared snow from emergency routes and roads to permit the passage of emergency vehicles."
With the Presidential emergency declaration, local governments in the declared counties may apply for federal assistance to fund 75 percent of total eligible costs of equipment, contracts and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow removal. Related emergency measures such as sanding and salting will also be eligible for reimbursement.
FEMA stressed the importance of communities' record keeping in this type of declaration where federal funds will reimburse specific local costs. "Having accurate, well-documented time records for equipment and personnel will speed up the reimbursement process," said James N. Russo, federal coordinating officer.
Government entities eligible to participate include state agencies, local government, public utilities and eligible private non-profit organizations.
| County | Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hancock | 3/18 | Friday | 10:00am | Commissioners Meeting Room Courthouse 50 State Street, Ellsworth |
| Knox | 3/18 | Friday | 1:30pm | County Courthouse (EMA Off.) 62 Union Street, Rockland |
| York | 3/21 | Monday | 10:00am | County EMA Office County Courthouse, Alfred |
| Cumberland | 3/21 | Monday | 1:30pm | Portland Water District (Nixon Ctr.) 225 Douglas Street, Portland |
| Franklin | 3/22 | Tuesday | 10:00am | Farmington Fire Department 153 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington |
| Somerset | 3/22 | Tuesday | 1:30pm | Somerset County Community Center 8 Country Drive, Skowhegan |
| Oxford | 3/23 | Wednesday | 10:00am | Paris Fire Station 137 Western Avenue, South Paris |
| Androscoggin | 3/23 | Wednesday | 1:30pm | Lewiston EOC 45 Oak Street, Lewiston |
| Piscataquis | 3/24 | Thursday | 10:00am | Courthouse 51 E. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft |
| Penobscot | 3/24 | Thursday | 1:30pm | County Commissioners Room 97 Hammond Street, Bangor |
| Aroostook | 3/25 | Friday | 11:00am | Nrthrn Maine Tech. Coll, Christie Hall 33 Edgemont Drice, Presque Isle |
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMAs continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 17-Mar-2005 15:50:50