Governor gets fresh look at areas damaged by flood

AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci visited Aroostook County on Friday for the fourth time since the area was hit by severe flooding earlier this month.

Baldacci visited Fort Kent, Soldier Pond, Wallagrass, Portage and Island Falls during the trip. On Tuesday, he visited flood-damaged areas in Penobscot County.

“It takes time for communities to recover from a natural disaster,” Baldacci said in a press release. “The process has begun, but it’s far from over. All of Maine wants to make sure the folks hurt by the flooding know that we will not forget their struggles and stand ready to help.”

On May 9, President Bush signed a disaster declaration for Aroostook County as a result of the record flooding that struck The County three weeks ago. The federal government on May 14 approved public assistance covering Aroostook, Knox, Lincoln, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo counties. On May 16, the federal government expanded the major disaster declaration to include Penobscot County for individuals and businesses.

Baldacci on Thursday requested that Penobscot County be added to the list of six counties already approved for public assistance.

The governor urged people affected by the flood to complete their applications for federal assistance and for the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program. Even if people don’t accept the loans, the completed application makes them potentially eligible for other aid programs.

Those who have questions about their application, or who want to apply for disaster assistance, should call FEMA’s toll-free number, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Registration may also be done online at www.fema.gov. Those with a speech or hearing impairment should call TTY 800-462-7585.

Information on SBA loan applications is available by calling the SBA help line at 800-659-2955 or by going to www.SBA.gov/disaster.