Maine Governor Requests Additional Federal Disaster Designation

Requests Public Assistance for Additional Areas

May 13, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci on Friday sent an additional request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking public assistance covering Aroostook, Knox, Lincoln, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo Counties.

On Friday, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for Aroostook County as a result of the record flooding that struck the County two weeks ago.

FEMA and the State have conducted preliminary damage assessments to roads and other public infrastructure in several Maine counties including Aroostook. As a result of these assessments, the Governor is pursuing additional assistance that may be made available for local governments.

“The preliminary reports indicate severe impacts to public infrastructure,” said Governor Baldacci. “More than $2.3 million in response costs and damages statewide have been incurred.”

The granting of Public Assistance would enable the State and affected local governments to obtain additional federal assistance and would make Small Business Administration disaster loans available, as well as Hazard Mitigation Assistance for the designated counties.

The Governor toured Aroostook County three times since the rain storm. He thanked local and state emergency personnel, the Maine Congressional Delegation, and FEMA 1 Regional Administrator Art Cleaves, for their support and assistance in addressing the needs of Maine people following the severe storm.

Source: Maine Governor

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