Disaster aid approved for NH counties hit hard by October storm

Jan. 03--Disaster aid approved for NH counties hit hard by October storm

By MICHAEL COUSINEAU

New Hampshire Union Leader

January 03. 2018 10:55AM

-- President Donald Trump has approved disaster aid for five counties that reported major damage from a severe wind storm and flooding in late October that knocked out power to 270,000 homes and businesses statewide at its peak.

The major disaster declaration covers Belknap, Carroll, Coos, Grafton and Sullivan counties for severe weather that hit between Oct. 29 and Nov. 1.

Federal aid can fund up to 75 percent of the eligible costs of approved projects. Federal help will be available to government entities and some private non-profits providing critical services.

State and local officials had tallied at least $14.3 million in damage by early November, but that was likely to rise, according to the state Department of Safety.

The strong winds and heavy rainfall caused severe damage to hundreds of miles of local and state roads as well as dozens of bridges and culverts.

"This storm significantly strained state and local resources as emergency responders dealt with heavy rainfall, county-wide flash flooding, damaging winds, significant debris that restricted travel and operations, and historical power outages," Gov. Chris Sununu said. "Through this major disaster declaration, those most heavily impacted by the storm can have access to federal support for response efforts."

Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Perry Plummer said, "We will be reaching out to emergency management directors within the eligible counties to provide meeting dates, information about the application process, and to assist with applications."

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