Governor Requests FEMA Disaster Assessment for Counties Impacted by Dec. 12 Storm and Flooding

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today sent a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a Preliminary Damage Assessment for the severe storm that hit the State beginning on Dec. 12. The initial assessment will focus on Washington, Aroostook, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

"This request sets into motion the next step toward assistance for those areas hit hardest by this storm," Governor Baldacci said. "Washington County, by far, suffered the worst of the storm, and we are working to get assistance. We couldn't have gotten this far without the hard work of Calais City Manager Diane Barnes, County EMA Director Michael Hinerman and all the people who have responded to this storm and who have helped to gather information."

To qualify for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the State must be able to document statewide damage of at least $1.65 million. In addition, each individual county must meet its own threshold for damage to receive aid.

Since the storm, the Maine Emergency Management Agency has been working with local and State partners to gather damage estimates. As of today, reported damage for the State was $1.76 million. Washington County suffered the greatest reported damage at $1.16 million; Aroostook at $281,616; Penobscot at $158,715 and Piscataquis at $68,387. Other counties reported damage that contributed for the statewide total but do not appear to make the county-level threshold.

If the reported damage is verified by the FEMA PDA teams, the Governor will request a Presidential Disaster Declaration. If granted, the federal government will contribute 75 percent of the cost of necessary repairs, with the State contributing 15 percent and local governments 10 percent.

Assessments will begin on Monday, Jan. 3, in Washington County.

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