FEMA Denies Funding To Help Massachusetts Communities Hit By Historic Flooding In September

By WBZ-News Staff, CBS Boston

February 14, 2024

BOSTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied funding for Massachusetts communities hit by historic flooding in the fall.

FEMA said the damage was not severe enough to warrant federal aid. "Based on our review of all the information available, it has been determined that the damage caused by this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, local governments, and voluntary agencies to recover from," FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell wrote in a letter to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey dated February 11.

Flooding in Leominster in September left cars underwater/CBS Boston

Leominster and surrounding communities were in a state of emergency in September when 11 inches of rain fell in five hours, causing catastrophic flooding that washed away roads, flooded basements, broke up driveways and destroyed homes. At the time, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Leominster, Fitchburg and Lunenburg.

A home and driveway were damaged by flooding in Leominster/CBS Boston

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