Governor Janet T. Mills (D) Speaking at a Recent Press Conference.

Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has requested that the Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA) begin conducting a Preliminary Damage Assessment of this week’s storm, the first formal step toward requesting a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal government it was announced this afternoon.

As water levels recede and damage becomes more evident, MEMA has begun working with local partners to estimate the cost of damage caused by this week’s storm, which left hundreds of thousands of people without power and caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage.

At the direction of Governor Janet T. Mills (D), MEMA today requested that FEMA dispatch Federal officials to Maine as soon as possible to begin the process of conductng the Federal Preliminary Damage Assessment.in which FEMA reviews and validates damage assessments gathered by local offiials.  If FEMA, as expcted, agrees that the costs associated with the storm are beyond the capabiities of the State to address the Governor will formally request a Major Disaster Declaration from the President.

Governor Mills and MEMA Director Pete Rogers today said Maine people impacted by the storm can help by reporting their property damage by dialing 2 – 1-1.  Information provided will help the state of Maine estimate the full impact of the storm and request the most amount of Federal aid available.

“Anyone who experienced property damage from this week’s severe wind, rain and flooding should  report by dialing 2-1-1.  Sharing your information will help the state of Maine request the maximum amount of Federal disaster funds available to help Maine people and communities recover and rebuild,” said Governor Mills.  “My Administration will use this information and other estimates collected by MEMA to request a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden as soon as possible which, if granted. will help unlock Federal funding to support our recovery.”