FEMA Irene Aid Now Available to Bristol County

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick announced today  that President Obama’s administration has approved his request to expand the Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Irene to include Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Norfolk and Plymouth counties.

The approval makes assistance available to local communities, eligible private non-profit organizations and state agencies in the five additional counties that were impacted by the damaging winds and significant rainfall from , according to a press release.

“With regions across the state impacted by Tropical Storm Irene, we’re encouraged by the federal assistance from the Obama Administration,” said Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray. “By extending this support to additional communities along the South Coast, Cape and the Islands, Massachusetts is moving one step closer to recovering from the storm damages.”

Under FEMA's Public Assistance program, FEMA will provide reimbursement to local government, state agencies and various non-profit organizations for 75 percent of the total eligibilty of repair or replacement costs of public infrastructure, technical and advisory assistance, contracts and personnel overtime related to emergency protective measures and debris removal.

“Tropical Storm Irene hit the Commonwealth hard, and I’m pleased that the Administration has responded to our needs,” Congressman Jim McGovern said. “I also want to commend the Patrick-Murray Administration for their response to this natural disaster.”

“The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will continue to work with cities and towns to help them recoup all eligible expenditures attributed to this storm,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Shortly, we will be announcing the locations of regional briefings for local officials and eligible applicants throughout the Commonwealth, to assist them through this process.”