$4.1 Million in Storm Aid Earmarked for Massachusetts Communities 

Release Date: August 13, 2007
Release Number: 1701-003

» More Information on Massachusetts Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding

WINDSOR, Conn. -- Massachusetts was hit hard by April's Nor'easter, leaving cities and towns in the Bay State with millions of dollars in damage. Roads and bridges, public buildings, parks and other public facilities sustained damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program is providing a helping hand to local and state agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations with losses from the severe storms and flooding.

Through August 12, more than $4 million in public assistance grants is now obligated for 397 projects to help the affected communities begin the road back to normalcy. Another 108 projects are under review. FEMA's Public Assistance program funds projects on a 75 percent federal, 25 percent state and local cost-sharing split.

Under the presidential disaster declaration of May 16, state and local government agencies and certain nonprofit agencies in Essex, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire counties are eligible to apply for public assistance grants.

Public assistance projects include debris removal, emergency services related to the flooding, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities. Eligible facilities include schools, libraries and other public buildings, roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities and recreational facilities. Nonprofit organizations may qualify for assistance to restore certain types of facilities that include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other facilities that provide essential government types of services.

In addition to FEMA aid to local governments, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a $3,400 low interest disaster loan to one homeowner.

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, 14-Aug-2007 08:50:38