Governor Janet T. Mills (D) and Commissioner Heather Johnson in Skowhegan Today.

Governor Janet T. Mills (D), the first woman governor of the state and its first woman AG., visited Skowhegan today to survey damage caused by flooding from the Kennebec River as a result of Monday’s wind and rain storm.

The Governor visied the Spinning Mill, a former yarn mill being redeveloped into a mixed-use retail and housing complex to view damage from this week’s flooding.  Developers estimated that this week’s storm caused an estimated $3 million in damage.  Project developer Zach Pike provided an update to Governor Mills and Economic & Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson on efforts to keep the project moving forward.

“While we are still assessing the damage from this week’s storm, it is clear that many people and communities across Maine have difficult days ahead.  My Admnistration will do all we can to support the swiftest possible recovery of our commuities,” said Governor Mills.  “While water levels are receding flood warnings are still in effect in several places and utilities are still working to restore power to people and businesses, I contianue to urge Maine people in heavily impacted areas not to travel if possible, to avoid areas that are flooded or at risk of flooding and to heed the advice and warnings of local emergency response officials.”

On Tuesday, Governor Mills  declared a State of Civil Emergency for most of Maine counties to mobiiize the State of Maine resources to assist and support response and recovery efforts and position the State to seek Federal disaster support in the coming weeks  The fourteen counties were selected to target assistance to the area hardest hit, though the state stands ready to assist all counties in need.”

For more backgroud information on the Civil Emergency declared by the Governor and the 14 counties selected by the Governor, please visit post herein dated December 19, 2023.