Town of

                                                                             

Grand Isle, Maine

.

Incorporated in 1869

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May 9, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Declares Disaster in Aroostook County


AUGUSTA – Governor John Baldacci received word today that President Bush has signed a major disaster declaration for Aroostook County as a result of the record flooding that struck the County last week.  Assistance has been granted for individuals and businesses. 

Individuals and business owners can begin the application process immediately by calling 1-800-621-3362; 1-800-462-7585 (TYY). Individuals can also register at www.fema.gov. 

The federal assistance may be used for temporary housing, repairs and for disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

FEMA assistance does not typically cover the entire cost to repair storm damage. For people with insurance, the aid may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance.

The assistance for individuals will come in the form of grants or low interest SBA loans.  SBA loans for uninsured damage or economic injury are available to businesses.

“It’s important for people to apply for assistance even if they have insurance claims pending,” Governor Baldacci said. “The only way to know for sure if they qualify for assistance is to apply.”

FEMA and the State are currently conducting assessments of damage to roads and other public infrastructure in several Maine counties including Aroostook.  Depending on the results of these assessments, additional assistance may be made available for local governments.   

Anyone who has called 211 to report damages should also call FEMA to begin the application process for assistance.

 

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ANYONE that has been affected by the

area flooding MUST to call 211

for help.

Take plenty of photos of your damage to your home,

and any items affected by water damage before

you throw it out.

Any pumping of water, mold problems,

or repairs need to

be reported NOW to 211

This includes area businesses!

FLOOD DONATIONS

   Pinetree Red Cross   

111 High Street

Suite 2

Caribou, Maine

04736

1-207-493-4620

 

I can't stress enough the amount of respect
the St John Valley area and Madawaska County
community has for ALL Emergency crews.

Fire Departments, Police, and Ambulance persons
are the people we usually see and think about when tragedy strikes, but we can’t forget the following local

and state personnel that have been out there during

this Great Flood of 2008….

Water/Sewer Districts
Highway Departments
Electric Departments, and Companies
Coast Guard
National Guardmen
EMA (Federal, State, County, and Town)
Area Red Cross Volunteers
Town Managers, Selectmen, and office personnel
Border Patrol, and Immigration
Dispatchers
Store owners
Railroad Crews

And last but not least……You, the people of our great community, to all the volunteers that stepped up and
helped your neighbors, your friends, and strangers on both sides of the St John River….

Thank You,

and May God Bless each and everyone of you!

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FLOOD NEWS

St. John, Fish rivers set flood records Bangor Daily News

People evacuate Maine homes as St. John River floods   AP Story

Maine river crests after surging to record high   AP Story

Video: High Waters Threaten Maine Homes, Businesses AssociatedPress

Fort Kent YouTube 3 min Video         Check this out

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Reminder to all Grand Isle Residents....

Any burning of grass or any other material

REQUIRES a burn Permit.

Contact your town FIRE WARDENS

or FIRE CHIEF for

permits, and burning rules.

 

Rules for open burning

http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpd/downloads/openburning.pdf

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