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FEMA surveys storm damage in coastal York County

WELLS (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Maine received a glancing blow from this latest storm, but damage estimates from a March 2 nor'easter are expected to top several million dollars.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are doing damage assessments along the York County coastline, including a stretch of beach in York.

Numerous high tides over a six-day period in early March resulted in severe beach erosion. Waves 10-20 feet high cracked barriers, damaged sidewalks and washed out sections several roads — the worst since the Patriot's Day storm in 2007.

State emergency officials are seeking a federal disaster declaration that would allow communities to receive disaster assistance. Preliminary estimates stand at slightly less than $3 million, but that number could rise when assessments are complete.

"I have seen a lot of rocky ocean debris, lobster cages a lot of damage to sea walls," said Diego Alvarado of FEMA.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency will present the preliminary findings to Gov. Paul LePage.

If the governor requests a federal disaster declaration, it will be reviewed by FEMA and sent to President Trump.

If the president denies the request, the cost of clean and repairing the damage would likely fall on local and state governments.

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