AUGUSTA, Maine — President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration requested by Gov, Janet Mills in response to a damaging April nor'easter.
Mills announced the approval Friday in a news release from her office, stating the declaration will help Cumberland and York counties recover from the two-day storm that caused significant infrastructure damage.
The declaration will provide federal assistance to help the state pay for public infrastructure repairs that are estimated to exceed $3.5 million. The costs cover debris removal, damage to roads and bridges, and emergency protective measures, according to Mills' office.
The federal funds will be allocated through the Public Assistance Program, which provides supplemental grants to state, local, and tribal governments to help communities quickly respond and recover from major disasters or emergencies, the release stated.
"I thank President Biden for quickly approving Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Cumberland and York Counties," Mills said in the Friday release. "This funding will help Southern Maine continue to recover from the devastating April Nor’easter. My Administration will continue our work to help Maine communities bounce back from recent storms and become more resilient to future severe weather."
In addition to the Public Assistance Program, the declaration approval also unlocks federal assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the entire state.
