WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maine’s Congressional delegation sent a letter today to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Paul Ford in support of the State’s request for federal disaster assistance funding for all of Maine’s counties and municipalities in the wake of the major ice storm that hit the state beginning on December 21, 2013.

In the letter, signed by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree, the delegation cites the more than 200,000 power outages and debris and damage to roads, public utilities, and public facilities caused by the storm.  The state has already documented more than $1.8 million in negative impact resulting from the December blast.

“We appreciate your prompt attention to Maine’s request and respectfully request that you give it every appropriate consideration in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations,” the letter reads.  “The State of Maine has been through a particularly challenging period of weather, and we strongly support any assistance you can provide in helping Maine overcome this extreme weather event.”

The full text of the letter is below.

Dear Acting Administrator Ford:

We write in full support of the State of Maine’s February 21, 2014 request for assistance for all counties and municipalities of the State in the aftermath of a major ice storm and arctic temperatures beginning approximately December 21, 2013, through at least January 1, 2014.

This weather event required extraordinary measures to maintain transportation arteries and caused more than 200,000 power outages.  The State had to implement emergency protective measures as the severe weather resulted in debris and damage to roads, public utilities and public facilities in these counties.  The impact was especially severe in Maine’s rural and economically challenged areas.  As part of the Preliminary Damage Assessment, the State has already documented more than $1.8 million in negative impact state-wide. 

We would also note that this event was not just a snowstorm; it was an ice storm coupled with extreme cold.   As a result, there were significant costs incurred for road treatment necessary to keep roads open and restore power.  Consequently, we would strongly urge FEMA fully to consider the nature of the storm in determining eligible disaster costs.

We appreciate your prompt attention to Maine’s request and respectfully request that you give it every appropriate consideration in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.  The State of Maine has been through a particularly challenging period of weather, and we strongly support any assistance you can provide in helping Maine overcome this extreme   weather event.  Please keep us informed of the status of this request.

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