WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to Paul Ford, Acting Regional Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 1, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today urge support for the State of Maine’s request for a preliminary disaster assessment following the recent ice storm that gripped much of the state.

Following is the full text of Senators Collins and King’s letter:    

Dear Acting Administrator Ford:

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

On January 10, 2014, the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) requested a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to be performed in the counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington.  This weather event required extraordinary measures to maintain transportation arteries and caused more than 200,000 power outages.  The State has had to implement emergency protective measures as the storm event has resulted in debris removal and damage to roads, public utilities and public facilities in these counties.  The impacts have been especially severe in Maine’s rural and economically challenged areas.

We understand that Statewide reported damages are estimated at more than $3.7 million ($2.84 per capita) at this time and more counties may also be added to this PDA request.  We also would strongly support additional requests for assistance.  We understand that the State is still evaluating the need for Individual Assistance (IA) and consequently may request a PDA for IA.

We appreciate your quick 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 most recent weather event.  Please keep us informed of the status of this request.

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