Healey appeals denial of major disaster declaration for September storms

Gov. Maura Healey has formally appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of her request for a major disaster declaration to support the recovery of Massachusetts communities impacted by severe weather and flooding last September in Worcester, Hampden and Bristol counties.

In a letter to President Joe Biden and FEMA Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich dated March 11, Healey said FEMA’s assessment of the state’s request failed to include certain identified costs, a summary of which she provided “for your reconsideration.”

“These storms were devastating for our communities,” she wrote. “Homes and businesses were destroyed, roadways and bridges were inaccessible, and some residents had to be evacuated. Six months later, they are still rebuilding. The state has done all that we can to support their recovery, but the needs far outpace our available resources.

“Our communities must know that both their state and federal governments understand the severe challenges and stress they are facing, and that we are here to help. Their recovery is particularly daunting given the knowledge that the next severe storm could be around the corner, as we continue to see the escalating impacts of climate change.”

The governor cited dozens of damaged sites in Leominster, a Springfield water main break, and the “uniqueness of New England architecture” that makes buildings more vulnerable to flood damage. She urged the federal government “to please reconsider our request and help us deliver the relief that Massachusetts cities and towns desperately need.”

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella has said that the September storm dumped between 9 and 11 inches of rain in as few as four hours in areas of the city.

FEMA denied the aid request because its officials determined the damage “was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, local governments, and voluntary agencies to recover from,” the agency wrote.

In response to the severe weather impacts last September, Healey directed the execution of the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, activation of the state’s Regional Emergency Operations Centers, and declared a State of Emergency. The administration also developed a website to centralize available resources for residents, businesses and communities.

In her fiscal 2025 state budget, Healey proposed a new Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund to expedite and improve the state’s response to natural disasters. The fund would be capitalized with 10% of annual excess capital gains, in addition to public and private sources, federal grants, settlements, repayments, or reimbursements available for the purpose of delivering aid.