LUDLOW — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced the release of $579,111 in hazard mitigation funds to Ludlow. FEMA will provide $434,333 in federal funding with matching local contributions of $144,778. This grant will be used to improve drainage on Ludlow Road, the town’s main thoroughfare.

As a result of the ice storm of January 1998, several counties, including Aroostook County, were declared disaster areas, making FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding available to the town. The program is designed to break the cycle of damage and repair in disaster-prone areas by funding projects that lessen damage from future events.

Because of its location, Ludlow Road has a major drainage problem when heavy rainfall occurs. This has led to a serious deterioration of the road. The project will eliminate water damage due to improper drainage and will restore and upgrade four miles of Ludlow Road.