Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick today announced federal aid has been awarded to Massachusetts individuals and businesses hardest hit by the June 1, 2011 tornados and storms.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will also provide aid in the form of reimbursement for much of the storm-related infrastructure damage, debris removal and emergency response costs incurred by local communities, eligible private non-profit organizations and state agencies.
“I would like to thank President Obama and his team at FEMA for providing this federal assistance so promptly,” said Gov. Patrick. “We have a lot to do to help our communities recover and rebuild, and it’s good to know we can count on our government to help.”
The assistance was authorized under a Major Federal Disaster Declaration issued by President Barack Obama after Gov. Patrick recently submitted a request for federal assistance for those areas most impacted by the June 1, 2011 tornadoes and storms. The President’s action makes “Individual Assistance (IA)” programs available to affected homeowners, renters and businesses in both Hampden and Worcester Counties and “Public Assistance” (PA) in Hampden County. FEMA continues to evaluate the damage data and supporting information related to Public Assistance requested for the communities of Southbridge and Sturbridge in Worcester County.
“It’s been an all hands on deck triage effort ever since the tornadoes tore through our communities, and this swift response from the White House is absolutely critical,” said Sen. John Kerry. “We’re deeply grateful. Last week, when I spoke to Bill Daley and SBA Administrator Karen Mills about the devastation on the ground, their sense of urgency was palpable and this action underscores that the federal relief will be there without delay to help us recover, repair and rebuild. We have a long way to go, but most importantly we’re all pulling in the same direction.”
Sen. Scott Brown added: “The tornadoes that tore through Massachusetts earlier this month were unprecedented in their scale and the cruel destruction they left in their wake. Entire communities and families were uprooted by these storms’ savage force and a tremendous effort has gone into helping those affected put their lives back together. I am pleased that the President has made this declaration in order to help speed assistance to those in need.”
The available ‘Individual Assistance’ Programs administered by FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) include the following: Individuals and Households Programs (IHP), Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Legal Assistance, Tax Relief, and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans.
