FEMA announces 13 Maine counties qualify for storm recovery grant

Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, is 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.

“The wind storm last fall was incredibly destructive,” said Sen. Millett. “Making the needed repairs in many municipalities won’t be cheap. I encourage any town or city contemplating how they’ll pay for those repairs to apply for this federal funding, rather than sticking property taxpayers with the bill, as they’re already carrying a heavy burden.”

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.

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.