| CONCORD - President Bush today signed Gov. John Lynch's request to declare a major federal disaster in areas affected by the recent floods, making individuals eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal assistance.
"I thank the President for responding so quickly to New Hampshire's request for a major disaster declaration. The recent floods had a devastating impact on many New Hampshire families, and it is critical that we begin providing them assistance as soon as possible," Gov. Lynch said.
Individuals who suffered damage in the floods must register with FEMA either online at
www.fema.gov/assistance/register/shtm or by calling the toll-free number
1-800-621-FEMA.
On Tuesday, Gov. Lynch met with FEMA, New Hampshire nonprofits and state agencies to ensure that efforts to help families are coordinated, and that New Hampshire families will have help going through the FEMA process.
"As a state, we can't eliminate federal requirements, but I am determined that we will work together to do everything possible to help families through the process and help them recover," Gov. Lynch said. "Our nonprofits and state agencies are stepping up to the plate to help make that assistance possible."
Individuals who suffered damage in the floods will be able to get help through the FEMA process at four local flood recovery centers, operated jointly by New Hampshire's community action agencies, the state and FEMA.
Those offices will open up next Friday (June 2) at the following locations: the Community Action Program office for Belknap-Merrimack County at 2 Industrial Park in Concord; Rockingham Community Action Center at 55 Prescott Road in Raymond; Southern NH Services at 40 Pine Street in Manchester; and Strafford County Community Action office at 1 Wakefield Street #306 in Rochester.
President Bush signed a declaration authorizing individual assistance (for people and households) in six counties Belknap, Carroll, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham and Strafford. As damage assessments continue, New Hampshire may seek to add additional counties to the disaster declaration.
In addition, today, the FEMA finished its preliminary damage assessment for damage to communities, and Gov. Lynch wrote to President Bush asking for a disaster declaration to cover public assistance, which would cover road repairs, emergency operations and other costs.
"I urge President Bush to respond just as quickly to our request for assistance for communities," Gov. Lynch said.
|
