Disaster Assistance For Maine Expanded To Six More Counties
Release Date: April 30, 2007
Release Number: 1693-001
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SCARBOROUGH, Maine -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that six additional counties affected by April's Nor'easter are now eligible for disaster Public Assistance. Franklin, Hancock, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset and Waldo counties have been added to the April 25, 2007, major disaster declaration providing federal funding to help communities recover in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, and York counties.
"These counties were added to the list of the original six counties in Maine for public assistance following a review of damage data gathered by state and federal disaster recovery officials," said Ginnie Ricker, state coordinating officer for the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
Under the expanded assistance local governments in the designated counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.
"Ensuring that vital community services are restored as quickly as possible is part of FEMA's continuing commitment to help Maine achieve a full and lasting recovery," said Albert Lewis, federal coordinating officer.
Procedures for requesting the assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings for local officials to be announced shortly by Maine and FEMA officials. Additional assistance may be added after further evaluation.
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.
The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has statutory responsibility for statewide coordination of emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. MEMA is a bureau of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.
Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2007 15:30:26