Baker and Polito Seek Federal Assistance to Cover Costs from Record Snowfall

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

GoLocal Worcester News Team

On Friday, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito submitted a request to President Barack Obama for a Major Disaster Declaration due to the major amount of snowfall that impacted the Commonwealth this winter.

The state's declaration would make federal aid available through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program to 10 counties in Massachusetts, including Worcester County.

“After sustaining an unprecedented 28-day weather pattern of record snowfall amounts and frigid temperatures, our administration has conducted a thorough data analysis to assess damages and snow removal costs, with the support of the congressional delegation and local officials, to craft this important request,” said Governor Baker.  “We urge the President and FEMA to carefully consider this declaration to provide much-needed relief to our cities, towns and state agencies.”

Additional snow assistance is being requested by the Commonwealth for nine of the 10 counties including Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties.

“Our cities and towns are in need of support after a brutal winter marked by record-breaking snow and cold,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “Our administration is pleased to have worked with local officials to carefully review costs for snow removal and repairs for publicly owned infrastructure while completing this declaration.”

The Governor's request cites roughly $400 million in costs for snow plowing, removal, and other storm costs across the state. The request also asks FEMA to look at the 28-day "weather pattern" as a whole storm, rather than just individual storms, because of the frequency and high amount of snowfall totals.

If granted, the declaration would offer federal assistance to nearly 250 cities and towns, state agencies and private non-profit organization. The federal government would reimburse 75% of the eligible snow removal costs, costs to repair damage to public infrastructures, and costs of storm-related overtime for first responders over the 28 day period.

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