Norfolk County Gets Federal Assistance for Devastating Blizzard

The first $1 million in federal assistance has been delivered to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help cover the costs of the severe blizzard and flooding which rocked the region on Jan. 26-28, state and federal officials announced on Thursday.

The major disaster declaration issued by the President for this severe winter storm provides federal disaster funding for certain costs associated with emergency services provided during the storm and repairing damage to buildings and other public infrastructure in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester Counties.

Additionally, federal disaster funds are being made available in the same counties (with the exception of Nantucket County) to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible costs of plowing clearing snow for a 48 hour period.

“With winter just around the corner, the delivery of federal aid for last season’s historic snowfall and freezing temperatures, will provide critical assistance for state agencies, public transit, non-profits and our cities and town,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The diligent work of our emergency management officials in partnership with those impacted by this severe winter, will ensure relief as recovery, repair and future resiliency efforts continue.”

Under this disaster declaration, FEMA public assistance programs will reimburse state and local governments, tribal, and eligible private non-profit organizations, certain costs associated with emergency response, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and plowing and clearing of snow for a 48-hour period.