MAINE DELEGATION PRAISES FEMA’S DECISION TO PROVIDE DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR 6 MORE MAINE COUNTIES

                        WASHINGT, D.C. –U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins and Representatives Tom Allen and Mike Michaud today praised FEMA’s decision to provide federal disaster assistance for six more Somerset, and Waldo counties.  Last week, President Bush declared that six Maine counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, and York were eligible for public assistance.

            “This is great news for the state of Maineand we are pleased that FEMA is currently reviewing incoming damage assessments to help restore our public infrastructure,” said Main delegation members in a joint statement.  “This welcomed progress is a step in the right direction and we will continue to work towards helping those affected by the storm.”

            The public assistance funds will provide aid to state and local governments for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities.  In addition, all counties in Maine are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

            On April 18th, Senators Snowe and Collins and Representatives Allen and Michaud sent a letter to President Bush asking him to expedite the Governor’s request for an emergency declaration.  As a reminder, all Mainers should directly report property damage to their local emergency management offices.

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