FEMA: Federal disaster assistance for Maine surpasses $11.9 million

AUGUSTA – State and federal assistance to Maine residents and communities has surpassed $11.9 million, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency press release Monday.

Two disaster declarations in April, for storms and flooding in mid-March and for the Patriot’s Day nor’easter, made Maine eligible for FEMA Public Assistance money.

The March storms drew $681,000 for 121 projects in Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties; and the nor’easter resulted in more than $6.5 million so far for 585 projects in 13 counties.

The FEMA program helps communities pay for damage to emergency response equipment or public infrastructure.

FEMA also has approved more than $1.5 million to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance.

More than $129,000 has been approved for personal property loss, medical or dental costs and other significant disaster-related expenses, according to the press release.

More than 2,700 households applied for assistance following President Bush’s disaster declaration on April 25, which designated six Maine counties eligible for Individual Assistance.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $3.2 million for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair their dwellings or businesses, replace damaged personal property and provide businesses with working capital.

The registration period has ended, but individuals who have applied for assistance and have additional questions may visit www.fema.gov/assistance or call the toll-free FEMA Helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362), or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired.

For questions regarding SBA disaster loans, call 800-659-2955, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, or 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays.