Following Letter from Collins, King, and Pingree, President Issues Disaster Declaration for State of Maine

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today welcomed the announcement that President Trump has approved a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Maine to recover from the severe coastal storm that struck the coast of Maine in early March.  Affecting much of York County, this storm caused millions of dollars in damages to infrastructure, including seawalls, roads, and bridges.  Last month, Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree sent a letter to the president in support of Maine’s request.

“The intense storm system that affected York County in early March flooded many coastal communities, compelling the evacuation of residents and straining local resources,” said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree.  “The release of disaster relief funds to help recover from the storm is good news for the State of Maine, York County, and residents who were affected by this severe weather.”

In their letter to President Trump in early April, Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree commended emergency responders and volunteers who “worked unrelentingly during each tidal cycle to protect lives and property.”  They also noted that the response effort “greatly strained the resources of the local and state government,” necessitating federal disaster assistance.

Furthermore, they expressed their concern “about the potential negative impact the storm could have on the local economy, particularly the vital tourism industry, if the damages are not repaired in a timely manner.”

On March 16, a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for Public Assistance requested by Maine validated nearly $2.04 million in public infrastructure damages across York County, which exceeds the state threshold for a federal disaster declaration of $1.9 million.

As a result, York County is eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure.  Additionally, all areas in the state are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs, which support measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters.