Federal reimbursements for storm damage total more than $4 million

File Photo / Jim Neuger Storms in 2023 and early 2024 caused major damage to infrastructure across the state.

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Multiple state agencies have been awarded a total of $4 million in federal grant funding to cover some of the costs for emergency repairs to roads and transportation infrastructure damaged by severe storms that shook the state between April 2023 and January 2024.

The reimbursements came from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which refunds states for the repair or reconstruction of highways and facilities damaged by natural disasters.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the funding late last week. “Severe weather in recent years has caused serious damage to infrastructure across our state. This funding will help recoup the costs of emergency response efforts to restore critical transportation routes for Maine communities.”

State and federal agencies can apply for emergency relief funding when either a presidential or gubernatorial disaster declaration has been issued.

The reimbursement funding is being allocated as follows:

MaineDOT (in Franklin County), $1.8 million for repairs following the June 2023 storm that caused road washouts and culvert damages.
National Park Service (in Hancock County), $1 million for road and trail repairs on Mount Desert Island following two storms with record high winds in January 2024.
MaineDOT (statewide), $967,103 for repairs in 35 locations following storms and flooding in April and May 2023 which caused shoulder and roadway washouts and damage to pavement, embankments, and culverts.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (statewide), $299,003 for repairs at multiple wildlife refuges following the December 2023 nor’easter.