President Declares Major Disaster For Maine 

Release Date: January 9, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-005

» More Information on Maine Severe Winter Storm and Flooding

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Maine to help Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and flooding during the period December 11-29, 2008.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush.  The President's action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and flooding in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo and York counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Paulison named James N. Russo as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Russo said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are complete.

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: Tuesday, 13-Jan-2009 10:04:36