FEMA announces 13 Maine counties qualify for storm recovery grant

Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, and Sen. Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, 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.

“York County has sustained some significant damage from storms over the last year — the most recent example happening just a couple weeks ago,” said Sen. Chenette. “I strongly encourage towns and cities in our county to apply for federal help. The money could go a long way to help with storm repairs that might otherwise come from local property taxes.”

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.

“Americans help each other out when natural disaster strikes in one region or one state,” said Sen. Deschambault. “Mainers are generous in offering help when people need it, we should be sure to ask for help — today in the form of FEMA aid — when we need it.”

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.