MAINE, USA — On Tuesday, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Maine to help recovery efforts following a catastrophic December storm.
Maine Governor Janet Mills requested earlier this month that President Biden issue the declaration after a storm caused power outages, flooding, and severe damage in parts of central and western Maine on Dec. 18. Mills had declared a state of civil emergency to assist in restoration efforts after the storm caused an estimated $20 million in infrastructure damage beyond the state's ability to address.
According to a news release from the White House Press Office, a Major Disaster Declaration has been approved from Dec. 17-21 to help supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts with federal assistance.
Federal funding will benefit affected residents of Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset Counties and "can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs" to help recovery efforts.
"Federal funding also is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding in the counties of Androscoggin, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington," the release stated.
Damage assessments are ongoing, and additional counties may receive federal assistance after assessments are completed.
Those who sustained losses in areas designated for assistance can apply for aid here, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), or via the FEMA App.