Federal Government Denies Maine Disaster Declaration 

Governor expresses disappointment; reminds businesses of SBA loans

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage confirmed today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied his request for a major disaster declaration as a result of December’s ice storm. 

“We received a notification on March 12, 2014 that the FEMA administrator decided the damage from this event was not beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments,” the Governor said.  “We have spent the time since the notification assessing whether we could be successful in filing an appeal.  We have determined that, based on the regulatory standard we would be required to meet, an appeal would not be successful.” 

The Governor once again thanked all the local responders, road crews, utility workers and volunteers who gave up their Christmas holidays to help keep their neighbors safe.  “Our towns spared nothing to help their residents weather the storm.  I’m disappointed that FEMA did not recognize the true toll this took on our communities.”

The Governor noted that the Small Business Administration did grant his request for low-interest economic injury loans to assist businesses that lost revenue as a result of the storm.  Business owners can apply online for loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call the SBA for more information at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing).