Gov. Maura Healey requested President Biden Wednesday to declare a significant catastrophe in elements of Massachusetts so communities hit by damaging September storms can entry federal help.
Heavy rains and flooding left roads and houses broken in Leominster and North Attleboro and prompted Healey to declare a four-day state of emergency as crews labored to wash up the municipalities. The storms required evacuations, water rescues, and the development of non permanent roadways so first responders and residents may entry properties.
Healey, who traveled to North Attleboro and Leominster, stated she noticed first-hand the “devastating impacts” of the storms.
“The extraordinarily heavy rainfall flooded thousands of homes and businesses, destroyed infrastructure, and required a significant public safety response. I’m requesting federal assistance to support our ongoing recovery efforts as communities and residents continue to rebuild,” Healey stated in a press release.
A president can declare a significant catastrophe for any pure occasion they discover to have brought about harm that “exceeds the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond,” the Healey administration stated.
A declaration opens the door to federal help for people and public infrastructure via a program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hazard mitigation help, which offers {dollars} to cut back catastrophe losses, can be made accessible.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency works with federal counterparts to evaluate doubtlessly reimbursable damages brought on by or associated to a catastrophe.
When these assessments are full, FEMA determines whether or not the state and municipalities have “reached the required federal damage threshold for a major disaster declaration,” in line with the Healey administration.
MEMA Direct Dawn Brantley stated the group’s workers responded to Attleboro, North Attleboro, Lancaster, Leominster, Princeton, Springfield, and Sterling to assist their restoration.
“FEMA has been an excellent partner through the process of conducting joint preliminary damage assessments, and MEMA recognizes the commitment of the communities that dedicated significant time and attention to this endeavor while also facing the challenges of recovery,” Brantley stated in a press release.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”