President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties of Knox, Waldo, and York as a result of damages from flash and tributary flooding between October 30 and 31, 2021. Estimates across the three counties totaled $2,377,906 for public infrastructure damages, which the state said would likely rise as that number did not fully encompass damages in a number of small, rural towns. Without federal assistance, repair costs would fall solely on the state and local municipalities. On October 30 and 31, 2021, a rapidly developing area of low pressure tracked directly over these areas, leading to 4  to 6.5 inches of rain within a six-hour window.  In early November, Maine requested a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for Public Assistance.  On-site assessments were conducted in Biddeford, Rockport, Rockland, and Hope, and 20 PDAs were conducted virtually throughout November and December. The Disaster Declaration was requested by Maine and supported by the state’s Congressional delegation.  Last month, the Maine Delegation wrote to the President to express their full support of Governor Mills’ request.

“I thank the President for approving my request for a Disaster Declaration for Knox, Waldo, and York Counties,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Heavy rain and flash flooding last year caused serious damage to public infrastructure in these areas, and these Federal funds, secured with the support of the Congressional Delegation, will lighten the financial burden on local taxpayers as we work to rebuild.”

“We are pleased the President has granted Governor Mills’ request for a disaster declaration for Knox, Waldo, and York,” Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden said in a joint statement.  “As we wrote in our letter to the President on February 24th, these three counties experienced extreme rainfall last fall, which led to widespread flooding in basements, extensive road washouts, and damage to public infrastructure. This much-needed federal assistance will help mitigate the significant hardship that Maine people and businesses experienced as a result of this severe weather event.”

IThe approval is specifically for public assistance, which means that state agencies and municipalities in Knox, Waldo, and York will be reimbursed for approved costs.