AUGUSTA – More than $22 million in assistance has been approved to date by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the agencies said in a joint press release.

These agencies continue to assist the residents and communities in the state of Maine affected by the severe storms and flooding that activated two major disaster declarations in April. These grants and loans help residents and communities bear the financial burdens imposed by the storms’ extensive damage.

In late spring, two flooding disasters prompted immediate federal assistance for residents and communities in the state: one for severe storms and flooding in mid-March, and one for the Patriot’s Day nor’easter. As a result of the March event, FEMA public assistance has obligated more than $1,234,241 for 235 projects in Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties for damage. So far, damage resulting from the nor’easter has obligated more than $16.2 million for 1,600 projects in 13 counties.

For projects that are approved, FEMA’s progam will pay 75 percent of the cost and the state will reimburse the remaining 25 percent. These projects typically include debris removal, emergency services related to the flooding and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities. The latter category includes schools, libraries and other public buildings, repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities and recreational facilities.

As of Sept. 13 recovery activities from MEMA, FEMA and SBA are:

. 2,746 homeowners and renters registered for assistance.

. FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program grants total $1,898,380. This assistance covers temporary disaster housing assistance, repairing disaster-damaged homes to safe, sanitary, and functional conditions, and grants for disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

. Applicant visits to Disaster Recovery Centers totaled 779.

. $3,655,800 in SBA low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 150 homeowners, renters, and business owners.

Although the registration period has ended, 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 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., weekdays, or 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov/region1/, www.maine.gov/mema or www.maine.gov/spo/flood.