After months after severe floods through houses, due to the loss of road and millions of dollars, the city of Leominster has learned that they will not get federal help.
FEMA announced the decision early this week, and it was confused and disappointed to the residents.
Leminster Mayor Dean Majarela said, “We were told that the damage $ 3 million countdown, or $ 12 million needs to be state -wide. We have deposited $ 35 million and everything has been item.”
The owners of the $ 35 million, will go to small businesses affected by the city’s infrastructure and about 10 inches of rain in the city received in September.
“The whole county saw the loss, so I think everyone is surprised,” said Mazarela.
The news comes at the same time when Senate passed a package of $ 95 billion, providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel.
“And when everyone has their opinion about what and how much it costs, the reality is that these are the hard working people.”
Drone and helicopter footage indicates widespread damage due to Monday night flash flooding.
Families have already dug into their savings.
The mayor said, “Many people have to reach their retirement, many people have to borrow money, go to bank or credit union.”
Congress Jem P. McGawn said back on the federal agency’s decision, saying that
“FEMA’s recommendation is unacceptable and unconscious to deny disaster relief for the city of Leominster city.”
After experienceing more than $ 35,000 in the loss, Raymond Bissonate is one of the 1,400 Laminster residents, who filed online applications for FEMA assistance.
“This was denied through the federal government,” he said.
FEMA denied in a letter, saying, “In the part,” … the damage to this phenomenon was not of such seriousness and magnitude, which was beyond the capabilities of the state, affecting local governments and voluntary agencies. “
The refusal can be appealed within 30 days – some Mazarela said that he is planning to fully do it with the help of the governor.