Bush OKs disaster aid for Oxford County

PORTLAND – President Bush on Wednesday issued a disaster declaration for Oxford County because of severe storms and flooding on July 11-12, freeing up federal money to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency funding is allocated on a cost-sharing basis,

Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe said FEMA’s share is expected to total about $1.37 million.

The storms drenched the area with 6 to 8 inches of rain in less than an hour, impairing the Bethel Water District’s filtration system and damaging roads and other infrastructure in the county.

Gov. John Baldacci initially sought more than $500,000 in federal assistance and later increased the request to $1.8 million.

The money is expected to support the rebuilding of the water system and the repair of other public property, he said.

FEMA named Albert Lewis as the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations in the affected area.