CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch will ask the Legislative Fiscal Committee on Wednesday for the authority to provide up to $2 million to help communities with catastrophic flood damage.

The money would provide assistance to communities that need immediate financial help to begin rebuilding. The money would be repaid when the communities receive federal disaster funds.

"Although we expect to receive federal disaster assistance, our most devastated communities cannot afford to wait to begin rebuilding. These funds will help make sure that our communities can move forward with fixing their roads and bridges immediately," Gov. Lynch said.

"Members of the legislature have expressed their strong support for these rebuilding and recovery efforts, and I thank them for their assistance in providing this support to our communities," Gov. Lynch said.

The Fiscal Committee meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Legislative Office Building in Concord.