Governor Mills Announces President Biden’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration for April Nor’easter

Governor Janet Mills announced this evening that President Joe Biden has approved the State of Maine’s request for a major disaster declaration to help Cumberland and York Counties recover from the severe winter storm. April which resulted in significant damage to infrastructure in southern Maine.

The presidential disaster declaration unlocks federal aid to help Maine cover the cost of public infrastructure repairs. Earlier this month, Governor Mills wrote that costs incurred from the two-day storm – including debris removal, damage to roads and bridges, and emergency protection measures – are expected to exceed $3.5 million.

“I thank President Biden for quickly approving Maine’s request for a major disaster declaration for Cumberland and York Counties,” said Governor Janet Mills. “This funding will help southern Maine continue to recover from April’s devastating disaster. My administration will continue its work to help Maine communities recover from recent storms and become more resilient to future severe weather.

The President’s approval authorizes federal assistance through the Public Assistance (PA) program for York and Cumberland Counties, which provides additional grants to state, local, and tribal governments so communities can respond quickly and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

It also unlocks federal funding through the Maine Statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to state, local, and tribal governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in ways that reduce or mitigate hazards. future disaster-related losses in their communities.

Earlier this week, Governor Mills signed an executive order creating a new commission that will develop the state of Maine’s first plan for long-term infrastructure resilience. The executive order follows the April Northeast events and several other devastating weather events, including the December 2023 and January 2024 storms that caused an estimated $90 million in damage to public infrastructure across the state .

Last month, Governor Mills signed her proposal into law as part of the supplemental budget to make $60 million available to help Maine communities recover from recent severe storms and increase their resilience to future severe storms. Funding applications and additional information are available at the state’s Flood Resource and Assistance Center, maine.gov/flood.