October 16, 2024
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Relief for May flooding tops $2.5M in Maine

AUGUSTA – More than $2.5 million in disaster aid has been approved for homeowners, renters and business owners in Maine in the aftermath of May flooding, state and federal relief officials said Tuesday.

Additional assistance is possible.

“We realize there are people who had their primary residences in York County damaged as a result of the flooding who have not yet applied for help,” federal coordinating officer Kenneth Clark said in a statement distributed from a field office in Newington, N.H. “The registration deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is July 24. Everyone with damage is encouraged to contact FEMA and begin the registration process as soon as possible.”

To date, officials said a total of 1,130 residents have applied for state and federal disaster assistance in Maine.

Approvals clear $2,548,226 in assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

State and federal officials gave the following breakdown through July 10:

. 523 applicants have been approved for Individuals and Households Program grants that total $873,926.

. Housing assistance of $816,516 has been approved for 501 individuals and families for essential home repairs and temporary housing. These grants are 100 percent funded by FEMA.

. Other needs assistance of $57,409 has been approved for 89 residents to help meet serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Examples include personal property replacement, along with moving and storage, transportation and other necessary expenses. These grants are 75 percent funded by FEMA and 25 percent state and local.

. The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued low-interest disaster loan applications to 921 individuals and to 157 businesses affected by the flooding.

To date, $1,674,300 in loans has been approved by the SBA. The SBA will continue to accept loan applications until the July 24 filing deadline.

Officials said residents and business owners with flood-related losses can call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

Personnel are available to take applications from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice.


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