Following authorization by President Biden, residents and business owners in Bristol and Worcester counties will be eligible to receive aid

BOSTON - In response to Governor Maura Healey’s appeal in March to President Joe Biden to support the ongoing recovery of Massachusetts communities impacted by severe weather and flooding in September, federal disaster aid will now be available in two counties to businesses and eligible homeowners and renters who incurred storm-related repair costs. 

Federal Disaster assistance has been authorized by the President under a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance that covers Bristol and Worcester counties. These are counties in which residents’ eligible storm costs exceeded federal criteria under the Individual Assistance Program. 

The September storm caused extensive flooding across the state, with more than seven inches of rain falling in some communities. The severe weather required evacuations, sheltering, water rescues, and the construction of temporary roadways to allow residents and first responders access to homes. 

Governor Healey initially requested a federal disaster declaration in December 2023, and when that request was denied, filed an appeal asking the President and FEMA to reevaluate the request, including all identified, eligible costs. 

“Federal disaster assistance will provide much-needed support for residents who have incurred significant repair costs as a result of the flooding we experienced in September,” said Governor Healey. “Our communities have been through so much and continue to experience the impacts of these storms. I thank President Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for recognizing the scope of the impacts this extreme weather event had on many of our cities and towns in Massachusetts.” 

“While many of these communities face a long road ahead, this declaration is a positive step forward in getting much-needed relief to those who need it most,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are grateful to President Biden for granting this federal disaster assistance.” 

“Leominster and North Worcester County were devastated by last September’s extreme rain and flooding. We have people who are going into credit card debt and draining their savings to rebuild,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “That’s unconscionable—and I have been fighting with Governor Healey to appeal the federal government’s disastrous decision to deny Massachusetts the relief we desperately need and deserve. Today, thanks to our perseverance, part of that appeal has been approved—and the process of healing and rebuilding can begin. While I’m grateful that individual assistance from FEMA is on the way, I continue to call on President Biden and the White House to approve our entire appeal, including public assistance, so that local governments are made whole again after the catastrophic damage they incurred last year.” 

During and immediately following the September flooding events, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) worked with local and federal officials at FEMA Region 1 to help communities assess potential reimbursable damage caused by the disaster. 

“I am thankful for the coordinated response by first responders, public works and emergency management officials during these extreme weather events, as well as the efforts of many volunteers and nonprofits that helped stand up and support shelters, provide food, and assist residents as they cleaned up after the storms,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. 

“MEMA staff responded to seven communities starting on September 11, 2023, to support local emergency operations centers and storm response activities,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “I am so proud of our dedicated team of professionals, many of whom worked more than 24 hours the day this storm began and continued to support cities and towns on-site daily in the weeks following the flooding. We have strong partnerships with FEMA Region 1, our state emergency management partners, and local communities – all of whom have been instrumental in working through the recovery process.” 

Through this declaration, FEMA will provide Individual Assistance to eligible individuals and households who have sustained losses as a direct result of the declared disaster. Homeowners and renters in officially designated counties who sustained damage to their homes, vehicles, personal property, businesses or inventory may begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Language interpreters will be available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. A Disaster Recovery Center will also be established in each of the declared counties for individuals to apply for assistance in person. 

In addition to Individual Assistance, Governor Healey requested Public Assistance for Hampden and Worcester counties, which would provide reimbursement for eligible storm-related expenses incurred by state agencies and municipalities. The Governor’s appeal relating to the application for Public Assistance remains under review. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration also secured millions in state funding from a supplemental budget to help communities across Massachusetts affected by the severe weather and flooding in 2023. The Administration distributed the first round of these relief funds in January, with plans to distribute the remaining $5 million as soon as possible after the resolution of the remaining appeal.