President Joe Biden has officially declared a disaster in Maine, paving the way for federal assistance to flow to communities struggling to recover from the aftermath of severe spring storms and flooding. The announcement came on Friday, following Maine's request for aid.
The storms, which raged between April 30 and May 1, brought strong winds, torrential rain, and widespread flooding, causing significant damage across nine Maine counties. Preliminary estimates place the cost of infrastructure damage near $3 million. Governor Janet Mills and Maine's congressional delegation expressed gratitude for the President's swift response, emphasizing the vital role this federal funding will play in rebuilding crucial infrastructure.
The federal aid will be accessible to state, tribal, and local governments, as well as select private non-profit organizations, in the affected counties of Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Waldo. The disaster declaration also activates a hazard mitigation program, providing further federal support for preventative measures against future disasters.
