Governor LePage Requests Major Disaster Declaration
For Immediate Release: Friday, September 09, 2011
Contact: Adrienne Bennett
Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul LePage today requested a major disaster declaration for three Maine counties impacted by Hurricane Irene. A joint Federal-State damage assessment documented over $2.4 million in response costs and damages in Franklin, Oxford and York Counties.
In his letter to the White House, Governor LePage said "I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary."
If the assistance is granted, the Federal Government would reimburse towns, counties and State agencies for 75 percent of costs incurred in response to the high winds, heavy rains and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Irene.
"We were very fortunate that Irene's impact on Maine was not much worse," the Governor said. "But even so, many towns in these three counties incurred crippling expenses from the storm."
The Governor's request includes costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, as well as repairs to damaged roads and bridges. The Governor added that State officials continue to compile information in support of possible further requests for recovery funds.
Governor LePage declared a State of Emergency on Friday, August 26, 2011 that ensured all State resources would be available for the storm and its aftermath. The State of Emergency was lifted Friday, September 9, 2011.
Maine Progressives
