FEMA ADMINISTRATOR DAVID PAULISON AND SBA OFFICIAL ROGER GARLAND ACCEPT REQUEST OF SENATORS SNOWE, COLLINS TO TOUR FLOOD DAMAGED COMMUNITIES IN MAINE

Senators, Government Officials to Tour Maine Sites on Friday, Meet with Local Officials

Washington D.C. – At the request of Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, R. David Paulison and SBA Director of Programs and Policies in Disaster Assistance, Roger Garland will join the Senators on Friday for a tour of sites in Maine that were severely damaged by the Patriot’s Day storm.  The Senators and officials will visit with residents, local and state officials, as well as Small Business Administration and FEMA representatives in Portland, Saco, Kennebunk, and Alfred. 

““This spring storm has ravaged homes, businesses, and transportation networks in our state. It is imperative that Washington officials see the damage firsthand. This tour will allow us to discuss and visit the impacted areas with FEMA and SBA officials to better understand what steps need to be taken to move forward and what the federal government can do to assist.”

Maine Delegation members sent a letter to President Bush yesterday, backing Governor Baldacci’s request for federal disaster assistance for thirteen Maine counties. 

            All portions of the tour are open to the media. An itinerary is as follows:

9:30 -10:00 AM.         Portland Ocean Gate Terminal, 2^nd floor

                                                Commercial St. in Portland

Local officials will brief the Senators and federal officials on the storm damage and needs of the community.

                                                Briefing to be provided by:

George Flaherty, Cumberland County Emergency Management Director

                                    Fred LaMontagne, Portland Fire Chief

                                    Joe Gray, City Manager

                                    Mike Bobinksy, Public Works Director

At the conclusion of the briefing, the Senators and Federal officials will depart the Ocean Gate Terminal and proceed by vehicle to the next location. Members of the Media are welcome to follow.

10:40 – 11:20 AM      Camp Ellis/Ferry Beach

                                                Senators and officials will be joined by:       

Bob Bohlmann, York County Emergency Management Director

                                    Rick Michaud, Saco City Administrator

* On site press availability at approximately 11:10 AM

12:05  - 12:50 PM.     Kennebunk Sea Wall on Beach Avenue

                                    Bob Bohlmann

                                    Barry Tibbets, Town Manager

                                                * On site press availability at approximately 12:40

1:35 -2:10 PM-       York County Emergency Management Agency, Alfred

                                    Emergency Personnel from:

                                    Maine Game Warden Service

                                    Maine Marine Patrol

                                    Maine Forest Service

                                    National Guard

                                    U.S. Coast Guard

                                                * On site press availability at approximately 2:00 PM

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