AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Janet Mills formally requested Friday that President Joe Biden declare a Major Disaster Declaration to aid Maine counties recover from back-to-back January storms that brought severe coastal flooding and damage.
Eight Maine counties — Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York — are still working to recover from the Jan. 10 and Jan. 13 storms, a news release from Mills' office said.
Mills sent a letter to President Biden explaining the cost of public infrastructure damage from the two storms is estimated at $70.3 million and that it's beyond the state's ability to address, according to the release.
If approved, the state would get access to federal funds to repair damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, utilities, and other public infrastructure in the eight affected counties, the release stated.
Mills also reportedly asked Biden Friday to authorize individual assistance to eligible families who were impacted by property damage in the following counties amid the two storms: Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York.
"Given that affected homeowners are also having to recover from the demolition of the waterfront infrastructure that inherently supports their livelihood, the Individual Assistance program is just one necessary component to the comprehensive recovery needs of disaster survivors spanning all eight coastal counties," Mills wrote in her request. "With much of the marine and aquaculture field operating out of primary homes with private docks, hundreds of disaster survivors are now fighting to sustain generational family businesses with limited support. Maine produces 90% of the nation’s lobster supply and is home to a thriving marine economy now at risk of decline."
Mills also previously requested a Major Disaster Declaration in response to a damaging storm in December, which Biden approved.
Mills' office reminded Maine residents in Friday's release that the deadline to apply for public assistance is Feb. 29, and the deadline to apply for individual assistance is April 1.
"The Governor continues to urge Maine people to apply for assistance," the release said.
You can find more information on how to apply at the State of Maine's Flood Resources and Assistance Hub here.
