LEOMINSTER, MASS. (WHDH) – Federal officials were in Leominster Wednesday to help residents impacted by last year’s severe flash flooding apply for newly-approved disaster assistance.
But while money is on its way to individuals, officials said the city of Leominster will not receive federal dollars to repair flood-damaged public property.
“This is devastating news,” said Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella in a statement Wednesday.
Flooding rain slammed Leominster and several other Massachusetts communities between Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, 2023. In Leominster — where the storms brought 10 inches of rain in just four hours on Sept. 11, according to city estimates — floodwaters washed out roads and driveways. The water also swallowed cars and damaged buildings.
Crews in Leominster rescued several people and schools were closed for several days.
“This 1000-year storm destroyed one month old sidewalks, freshly paved and striped roads, and even a recently replaced culvert,” Mazzarella said. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Flood damage ‘was not of such severity and magnitude’ to warrant public disaster assistance, FEMA says
After a request from Gov. Maura Healey, the White House earlier this month approved federal money for individuals in Worcester and Bristol counties dealing with the aftermath of the flooding.
The declaration partially reversed an earlier decision by FEMA to deny aid but stopped short of immediately approving assistance to reimburse state agencies and municipalities for some storm-related expenses.
Public aid in Hampden and Worcester counties remained under review, according to Mazzarella and Gov. Maura Healey’s office.
Mazzarella at the time said “this is a major step in the right direction.”
Rep. Jim McGovern said he was thankful for the individual assistance but called on President Joe Biden’s administration “to approve our entire appeal.”
Just weeks later, though, Mazzarella’s office on Wednesday said…