The federal government has declared a major disaster in Maine following a powerful late-season snowstorm that caused millions of dollars in damage. President Joe Biden’s declaration will pave the way for funding to help with rebuilding efforts in the state. The April nor’easter brought 2 feet of snow to parts of northern New England and caused hundreds of thousands of power outages in the Northeast, particularly impacting Maine and New Hampshire. Governor Janet Mills stated that the cost of repairing roads, bridges, and extensive debris removal is expected to exceed $3.5 million. The disaster declaration applies to York and Cumberland counties in southern Maine, with a focus on helping those communities recover from the devastating storm.
The storm brought heavy, wet snow that brought down trees and power lines, catching some communities off guard due to its late-season timing. The National Weather Service described it as the biggest April nor’easter to hit the area in at least four years, resulting in at least two deaths, including one in New Hampshire. In response to the disaster, federal money will be made available to the entire state of Maine through a hazard mitigation grant program. This program will provide funds to state, local, and tribal groups to develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild infrastructure in a way that reduces the impact of future disasters. Governor Mills has been focused on disaster mitigation during her time in office, recently creating a commission to develop a long-term infrastructure resilience plan for the state.
Governor Mills has emphasized the importance of preparing for storm damage and flooding in the era of climate change. She signed an executive order earlier in the month to address these issues, highlighting the need for Maine to become more resilient to severe weather events. The federal funding provided through the disaster declaration will help support these efforts and assist in building stronger, more sustainable infrastructure that can withstand future disasters. The goal is to help Maine communities bounce back from recent storms and improve their ability to handle extreme weather in the future, ultimately enhancing their overall resilience and preparedness.
The hazard mitigation grant program will play a crucial role in helping communities develop plans to reduce the impact of disasters and build back stronger. By investing in resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures, Maine can better protect its residents and assets from the effects of severe weather events. The funding will support these efforts and ensure that the state is better equipped to handle future storms and emergencies. Governor Mills’ focus on disaster mitigation and resilience planning is a proactive step towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change and protecting Maine’s communities from the potential devastation of future disasters. The federal government’s declaration of a major disaster in Maine underscores the severity of the April nor’easter and the need for immediate support to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
