January 19, 2004
EMERGENCY DECLARATION ISSUED FOR DECEMBER SNOWSTORM
Federal assistance available for 12 Massachusetts counties
Governor Mitt Romney today said federal disaster assistance will be available to the Commonwealth's cities and towns hardest hit by the December 6-7, 2003 snowstorm.
The assistance was authorized under an emergency declaration issued by President George Bush after a review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the request of Romney last month.
"I am grateful to President Bush for recognizing that the cities and towns of Massachusetts need a boost from the federal government to help cover cleanup costs associated with last month's snowstorm," Romney said.
The declaration covers the 12 counties that received record or near record snowfall, including Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire, making them eligible for the federal funding.
Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement to local governments, state agencies, hospitals, colleges and eligible private non-profits for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts and personnel overtime, related to emergency protective measures dealing with the snow for a continuous 48-hour period designated by each applicant. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, and shoveling out fire hydrants will also be eligible for reimbursement.
By the end of the week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will have available a list of statewide briefings for local officials regarding this matter.
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