After months of waiting, residents in Bristol and Worcester counties hit hard by September's severe weather can finally expect some relief. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that federal disaster aid is on its way to eligible homeowners and renters dealing with storm-related repair costs. This comes in the wake of Governor Maura Healey's successful appeal to President Joe Biden for support, as initially reported by Mass.gov.
Last September's storms wreaked havoc across the state, compelling evacuations, water rescues, and emergency infrastructure efforts. With more than seven inches of rain in some areas, the storms demanded a significant response. Healey's initial request for aid in December was denied, but she pushed back with an appeal, a move that's finally paid off. The President has now authorized Federal Disaster Assistance under the Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance, targeting the heavily afflicted counties where residents' storm costs surpassed federal benchmarks. "Our communities have been through so much and continue to experience the impacts of these storms," Healey said, according to the Mass.gov news release.
Congressman Jim McGovern expressed satisfaction with the Obama Administration's decision to grant the aid, acknowledging the financial burdens borne by his constituents. "We have people who are going into credit card debt and draining their savings to rebuild," McGovern told Mass.gov. "Today, thanks to our perseverance, part of that appeal has been approved—and the process of healing and rebuilding can begin." Despite this progress, he pointed out that the fight wasn't over, as they continue to seek approval for public assistance to help local governments recover.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) played a crucial role during and after the storms, collaborating with FEMA Region 1 and local officials to assess the damage. Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy and MEMA Director Dawn Brantley both highlighted the resilience and coordinated efforts of first responders and volunteers amidst the crisis. As Reidy expressed his gratitude, so did Brantley praise her team's dedication, with many working tirelessly from the onset of the storm and into the recovery period. "I am so proud of our dedicated team of professionals, many of whom worked more than 24 hours the day this storm began," Brantley said in a Mass.gov statement.
Aid recipients can apply for assistance online, over the phone, or via the FEMA App, with language interpreters available to help. Plus, Disaster Recovery Centers will be set up in the declared counties to assist people in person. While individual assistance marks a turning point, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is also pushing for public assistance for Hampden and Worcester counties, which would compensate state agencies and municipalities for storm-related expenses. The outcome of this appeal remains pending.
