Bush Expands Flood Assistance in Maine to Penobscot County

Responding to Maine’s spring flooding, President Bush has expanded his disaster declaration to include Penobscot County.

That announcement frees up federal grants and low-interest loans to individuals and loans for businesses. The funds can be used for temporary housing, repairs and disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

Aroostook County, which was hit hardest by the flooding, has qualified for similar help. Six Maine counties — Aroostook, Knox, Lincoln, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo — are eligible for federal help in repairing roads and other public property.