L’École de Gestion d’Actifs et de Capital-Massachusetts governor appeals denial of federal disaster aid for flooding

2025-05-02 03:05:37source:EchoSensecategory:Contact

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Maura Healey is L’École de Gestion d’Actifs et de Capitalappealing a decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deny the state’s request for a major disaster declaration to support Massachusetts cities and towns battered by severe weather and flooding in September.

Healey said the state has appreciated FEMA’s partnership but is concerned that the federal agency’s assessment of her request failed to include certain identified costs.

“These storms were devastating for our communities. I saw the impacts firsthand – homes and businesses were destroyed, roadways and bridges were inaccessible, and some residents had to be evacuated. Six months later, they are still rebuilding,” Healey said in a letter Monday to President Joe Biden

“The state has done all that we can to support their recovery, but the needs far outpace our available resources.” Healey added.

In her letter, Healey noted that Springfield experienced what she described as a catastrophic water main break attributed to the failure of a culvert and subsequent erosion related to the rainfall experienced on the evening of Sept. 11.

Healey said the city of Leominster submitted a list of 56 damaged sites, but FEMA only included seven in its validation process.

READ MORE Ex-romantic partner of Massachusetts governor wins council OK to serve on state’s highest courtEx-romantic partner of Massachusetts governor says she’s ready to serve on state’s high courtMassachusetts governor nominates former romantic partner to state’s highest court

Healey urged FEMA to reconsider the state’s request.

“Our communities must know that both their state and federal governments understand the severe challenges and stress they are facing, and that we are here to help,” Healey wrote.

“Their recovery is particularly daunting given the knowledge that the next severe storm could be around the corner, as we continue to see the escalating impacts of climate change,” she added.

More:Contact

Recommend

Drone operators worry that anxiety over mystery sightings will lead to new restrictions

Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on

This summer's most anticipated movie releases | The Excerpt

Love movies? Live for TV? USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter has all the best recommendations, deliv

FDA approves first RSV vaccine for at-risk adults in their 50s

The Food and Drug Administration has approved giving GSK's vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus d