Congressional Delegation Applauds Federal Disaster Funding for Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, DC – Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation today applauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) announcement that more than $120 million in disaster assistance has been awarded to the Commonwealth for costs associated with this past winter’s historic snowfall.

Last week, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker was joined by federal, state and local emergency management officials to provide an update on federal disaster assistance reimbursements to municipalities, state agencies and eligible private non-profit organizations for storm-related costs as a result of last winter’s record snowfall.

The projected $120 million in disaster assistance, with nearly $60 million earmarked for municipal reimbursements, represents the Commonwealth’s largest public assistance disaster in history.

“Working closely with our federal and local partners, I’m proud that Massachusetts is securing this critical budgetary relief as a result of last winter’s damages, especially for our impacted cities and towns,” said Governor Baker, while at the MEMA Bunker in Framingham.

“This disaster funding is a big help for Massachusetts’ cities and towns as we continue to recover from last winter’s severe storms,” Senator Elizabeth Warren said. “It’s important for the federal government to be a good partner for our local communities, especially during emergencies, and I’m glad the congressional delegation was able to work with FEMA and with our state and local officials to secure this critical aid. This funding will support much-needed repairs to the Commonwealth’s aging infrastructure as we work to improve resiliency for the winter months.”

“This disaster funding will go a long way to help pay the bills that piled up as high as last year’s historic snowfall,” Senator Edward J. Markey said. “I’m pleased the entire Congressional delegation was able to help Massachusetts and our local municipalities get the federal relief and resources we need to repair, rebuild and recoup costs incurred from last year’s winter disaster.”

Following last winter’s storms, the delegation asked FEMA to support the Commonwealth’s disaster recovery efforts, and urged President Obama to approve Massachusetts’ disaster declaration request.