Maine counties to get federal disaster aid

The White House announced Wednesday that the state of Maine and municipalities in 10 counties are eligible for federal disaster relief aid because of severe winter cold and frost.

Funding is available for eligible local governments in Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington counties, officials said.

Municipalities that receive the federal funding will be required to share the costs of repairing or replacing public facilities damaged since Dec. 17 by severe winter, or for hazard mitigation measures.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said that damage surveys are continuing, and additional counties may eventually be added to the list of areas eligible for assistance.