FEMA declares Irene a disaster, we get 75% federal reimbursement

Email received from MEMA

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To all EMD’s, Deputy EMD’s, and Chief Municipal Officers in Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes Counties,

We have just been advised by FEMA that it has approved the Governor’s request to add five counties (Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes) to the existing Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Irene.  This will make Public Assistance available to all communities in these 5 counties. Public Assistance allows for a 75% Federal Reimbursement for allowable response and recovery costs due to the Tropical Storm.

At this time, MEMA is working to identify locations at which Applicant Briefings can be held. These briefings will be information sessions for officials in all communities in the designated Counties.  After this initial meeting, individual Kickoff Meetings will be able to be scheduled with FEMA personnel.  Further, the applicant process will be able to be explained in detail to those attending.

Expect an email as early as tomorrow morning announcing the dates, times, and locations at which these Applicant Briefings will be held.  Thank you for your hard work in compiling the necessary figures and data which was needed to achieve this important step in the recovery process.

Thank you for your efforts, and you will be hearing from us soon,

Richard LaTour, Jr.
Regional Planner
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Region II, Bridgewater, MA