The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Governor Maura Healey’s request for a major disaster declaration for parts of Massachusetts as a result of catastrophic flooding from September storms.
A letter to Healey from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell states that in December 2023, the governor specifically requested individual assistance for two counties, public assistance for two counties, and hazard mitigation for the entire state.
According to Gov. Healey’s office, her administration requested a major disaster declaration for Bristol, Hampden, and Worcester counties.
In Worcester County, nearly a foot of rain fell in Leominster alone on the night of Sept. 11 and caused more than $36 million in damages in the city.
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In Bristol County, approximately 200 homes in the town of North Attleboro were flooded or damaged during the Sept. 11 storm.
“Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies,” Criswell wrote to Healey. “Accordingly, we have determined that supplemental federal assistance is not necessary. Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied.”