Office of the Governor: President Grants Governor Lynch’s Request To Include Merrimack, Strafford Counties in Disaster Declaration

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

August 20, 2008

Contact: Communications Director
Office of the Governor
603-271-2121


CONCORD - President Bush today granted Gov. John Lynch’s request that Merrimack and Strafford counties be included in the major disaster declaration for damage caused by the recent tornado.

President Bush’s original disaster declaration last week made public assistance available for communities in Belknap, Carroll and Rockingham counties that were impacted by the tornado. Gov. Lynch’s original request for a disaster declaration included Merrimack and Strafford counties, which were not included in the President’s declaration.

Last Friday, Gov. Lynch asked the president, through FEMA, to reconsider the decision not to include Merrimack and Strafford counties. The president today expanded the disaster declaration to include those two counties.

“I am pleased the president has included Merrimack and Strafford counties in the disaster declaration based on the concentration of damage in the communities of Epsom, Pittsfield and New Durham. I want to thank FEMA Administrator David Paulison for his prompt consideration of this request,” Gov. Lynch said. “These communities experienced a tremendous amount of damage during the tornado and this assistance will help these towns rebuild their infrastructure.”

FEMA offers two primary types of assistance, public assistance - which helps the state and communities cover emergency operations, debris removal and repair costs; and individual assistance - which provides some emergency assistance to individuals, such as temporary housing, and will cover some - but not usually all - costs of the damage.

The president’s declaration does not include individual assistance. Gov. Lynch has notified federal officials of the state’s intent to seek reconsideration of the decision not to include assistance for individuals impacted by the tornado.

In addition, the state has begun the process of seeking federal assistance for damage caused by recent flooding. FEMA assessment teams conducted inspections of impacted areas last week.

“Flash flooding resulting from recent storms caused significant damage in many communities across New Hampshire. We will be asking that these communities be eligible for assistance,” Gov. Lynch said.

The recovery from the tornado and flooding events continues and anyone with tornado or flood-related questions or concerns can call the state’s information line at 1-888-330-6764.

Gov. Lynch also encourages citizens to consider contributing to the State of New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund, which will help families impacted by the recent storms. Donations to the relief fund can be made online at http://www.nh.gov, or by sending a check made out to:

New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund
State of New Hampshire, Disaster Relief
25 Capitol Street, Room 121
Concord, NH 03301