FEMA announces 13 Maine counties qualify for storm recovery grant

Sen. Ben Chipman and Sen. Mark Dion, both D-Portland, are reminding municipalities that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently opened an application to aid disaster relief caused by the major storm last fall. This opportunity is open to all municipalities in the 13 counties FEMA has approved for federal financial assistance.

“Last fall’s wind storm caused some serious damage in and around Portland,” said Sen. Chipman. “Any city or town that needs to make repairs because of it would be well served to consider applying for aid disaster relief from FEMA.”

If the municipality’s application is accepted, this grant can cover up to 75 percent of repair costs to public infrastructure like roads, bridges or town offices. Damage from the storm last year still remains in the designated counties. This storm recovery grant is a good opportunity for municipalities to pay for the necessary repairs.

“Property taxpayers are already bearing quite a burden these days,” said Sen. Dion. “We should take every opportunity we have to relieve that — and that includes asking the federal government for assistance when we have the opportunity.”

Municipalities and other public entities have until November 2, 2018 at 5 p.m. to submit an application.

Those seeking additional information should contact Maine Emergency Management at (207) 624-4400.