STATEWIDE -- President Biden has approved a second major disaster declaration for the state, this one in connection with severe storms that did millions in damage in January.
FEMA says federal disaster assistance has been made available to Maine to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding on Jan. 9-13, 2024.
The president’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties.
Federal funding also is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the affected counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering with FEMA online. you can also call 1-800-621- 3362 or download and use the FEMA app.
Maine's Congressional delegation wrote to President Biden in February urging him to grant Governor Mills’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help address the estimated $70.3 million in damage that occurred across the eight counties during the storms.
“We are grateful the Administration approved Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration — particularly by categorizing the two storms as a single event to expedite the process. This declaration will unlock critical federal funding so the counties impacted by the January storms can get back on their feet and start to rebuild," the Delegation said in a joint statement.
The approval of the Major Disaster Declaration unlocks Federal assistance through the Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) Programs. The PA Program provides supplemental grants to State, local, and Tribal governments so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The IA Program provides the same assistance to individuals and households.
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