Snowe Urges Establishment of “One-Stop Shopping” Website for Disaster Assistance

            WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) today called on the federal government to create a “one-stop shopping” website for disaster relief assistance resources, in the aftermath of the Patriots Day storm that ravaged the Northeast and particularly the state of Maine.  While touring storm damage, Snowe made the request directly to FEMA Director R. David Paulison and SBA Director of Programs and Policies in Disaster Assistance Roger Garland – who Snowe invited to Maine in her capacity as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 

 “In this era of websites and the Internet, there is no question the federal government should establish a single, easily-remembered web address where citizens can go for all-inclusive links to the wide range of assistance available after disasters strike.  During the most difficult of times, we should make it easy as possible to access the help people require to get back on their feet.”

 The one-stop website would offer information on SBA disaster loans for businesses and homeowners, Red Cross shelters, and FEMA-related assistance that could include disaster housing, financial assistance for necessities not covered by insurance, and disaster-related unemployment assistance for example.

 Snowe has invited Director Robert Garland to Maine to ensure the SBA would be ready to immediately assist upon a federal disaster declaration. 

 “I asked Director Garland to Maine to ensure operations would be set in place in anticipation of the President’ declaration, so that the SBA would be ready to hit the ground running and be prepared to offer all of the resources available for homeowners and business owners,” Snowe said. 

 Snowe also reiterated that officials at all levels would continue efforts together to help the people of Maine.  “We are all working in tandem and coordination for immediate and meaningful relief – and the federal, state, and local levels – to restore people’s lives, and livelihoods,” said Snowe. 

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