Presidential Declaration Makes Aid Available to 2 NH Counties

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu announced today that President Joe Biden granted his request for a major disaster declaration in response to a severe storm and flooding in the month of January that resulted in significant costs to local communities. Rockingham and Grafton counties are included in the declaration.

"Communities along the Seacoast saw unprecedented flooding from this severe storm and astronomical high tide. In addition, Grafton Country experienced significant power outages from downed trees and limbs. This disaster declaration provides the opportunity for communities to recuperate costs incurred while fixing damages," said Governor Chris Sununu. "The state will continue to work with officials in both counties to utilize relief funding to make the communities whole again."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), working with State and local emergency management officials, recently completed a Preliminary Damage Assessment, finding that the statewide cost for response efforts related to this event totaled $3,004,838.

The declaration allows communities in the two counties to move forward with seeking federal funding assistance.

"This declaration will provide a step toward recovery in the communities that experienced severe flooding and power outages in January," said Robert Buxton, Director of The New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). "We will continue to assist communities with the process of making repairs and working on mitigation projects to prevent similar problems in the future."

The President's declaration also makes federal support available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide and the Public Assistance Program. The purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable the implementation of mitigation measures during the immediate recovery from a disaster. FEMA can fund up to 75 percent of the eligible costs of approved projects. The Public Assistance Program provides grants to state and local governments to assist with disaster recovery, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure.

HSEM will contact communities in the affected counties to set up briefings to explain the process of applying for assistance. The briefings will be a combination of in-person and online. Agencies that are eligible for receiving assistance include local, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits that provide critical services.

In addition, the Department of Transportation planned to announce on Monday that the state has been granted $20 million in federal funding for Seawall reconstruction. The funds will be used to reduce flooding, structural damage, and post-storm cleanup time along Route 1A.

Note:& More details on the Governor's request can be found here.