SENATORS SNOWE, COLLINS SUPPORT REQUEST FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR HANCOCK AND YORK COUNTIES
"Local businesses and infrastructure were severely damaged as a result of heavy rain, damaging winds and flooding that occurred in both Hancock and York Counties. Federal disaster assistance will help in the recovery process," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "We urge the President to give expeditious consideration and approval of the Governor's request for federal assistance."
Following is the full text of the Senators' letter.
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing to express support for a request that Governor John Baldacci submitted for federal disaster assistance on behalf of Hancock and York counties in the State of Maine. These counties experienced significant and widespread damage resulting from rain storms and flooding that affected the state from March 12 through April 1, 2010.
According to the National Weather Service, a major storm system affected York County between March 12 and 15, dropping between four and nine inches of rain. High winds of nearly 50 miles per hour caused additional damage, including a high tide two to three feet above normal levels. Between March 22 and 24, another two to four inches of rain fell across York and Hancock counties, with strong winds and a coastal storm surge again causing further damage. Finally, between March 28 and April 1, another three to six inches of rain fell across York and Hancock counties, with high winds and a storm surge once again causing additional damage and erosion. It is important to note that this significant rainfall followed shortly after heavy rain and snow affected the State between February 23 and March 2, resulting in a separate major disaster declaration. This additional rainfall created substantial burdens for many already overextended communities, which again dedicated scarce resources to response efforts, including debris removal, road closures, clean-up, and infrastructure repairs.
On April 13, 2010, the Governor requested a joint federal, state, and local Preliminary Damage Assessment survey of the damaged areas. This assessment verified damages of over $1.6 million or $1.33 per capita statewide. Preliminary assessments show significant costs for debris clearance and emergency protective measures, in addition to severe impairment of roads and bridges in the affected counties, as well as major damage to the Maine Maritime Academy. The Governor has determined that this event is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is "beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments," and has requested Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster assistance. The Governor intends to implement the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program on a statewide basis and Maine has a FEMA-approved Standard State Mitigation Plan in place.
We urge you to give expeditious consideration to the Governor's request and declare a major disaster for Hancock and York counties.
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