York Town News
Flood recovery continues with added support services for business, residents
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - Residents and business owners are continuing the long process of rebuilding and renovating after the mid-May rainstorms that flooded basements, storefronts, rivers and roads.While most of the stories coming out of what the state and federal government have cited as a disaster have been positive, many homeowners sustained damage to their properties and not all businesses in York Beach, which managed to rebound and be open for Memorial Day, are up and running yet.
For those who are still sifting through the damage, Saturday's town-sponsored waste disposal day in York Beach provided a dose of cruel irony as the rains fell on those hauling damaged items to the dumpsters provided to assist in their efforts.
Help is on the way from the state and federal level, according to York Town Manager Rob Yandow, who announced the recent presidential declaration paving the way for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for businesses and property owners in both towns.
FEMA will be sending a mobile disaster recovery team to assist residents and business owners in filing of claims as a result of the recent flooding. The team will be located at the York Beach Fire Department on Thursday, June 08, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Last week, a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to assist York County residents and businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding opened at the York County Community College, located at 112 College Drive in Wells.
The office, which is staffed by state and federal officials, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"The continuing state-federal partnership in this effort is critical so that residents and businesses impacted by the storms have access to needed assistance," said Gov. John Baldacci in his announcement of the new center's opening.
Baldacci has visited York several times since the storm hit, even keeping a promise he made to rain-soaked business owners in the midst of the storm that he would return on Memorial Day to have breakfast in York Beach and visit their shops. In announcing the new center, Baldacci reiterated a sentiment he has expressed each time he has come to York.
"I have been impressed with state, local and regional efforts and applaud all those involved in the recovery for moving expeditiously and effectively to ensure that this area successfully rebounds," he said.
Those affected by the disaster are urged to register for assistance first by calling toll-free (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Registration can also be done online at www.fema.gov/assistance.
Baldacci noted that registering for that assistance is a key step in the process.
"I urge all citizens and business owners to register for disaster assistance," he said. "This is a critical first step on the road to recovery. And I'm pleased that FEMA, MEMA and York County Emergency Management and the York County Community College have worked together to open this Disaster Recovery Center so quickly."
Meanwhile, SBA Communication Specialist D. Jelani Miller was among those in the area visiting businesses and offering information on the assistance available. Miller, who was in York last week, said SBA officials will be assisting with disaster loans to businesses in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The deadline to apply for physical damage is July 24 and for economic injury it is Feb. 26.
Anyone who has suffered losses or damages as a result of the storms may go the Disaster Recovery Center to follow up on their registration. Those who have questions may visit the center to meet with recovery specialists in person. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies - including customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - are working to answer questions and provide recovery information and written materials about the various assistance programs available are also on hand for individuals and business owners.
Associate Editor Jennifer L. Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@yorkindependent.net.
