Maine Governor Seeks Disaster Assessment from Storm

Maine Gov. John Baldacci is requesting a damage assessment for the torrential rainstorm that deluged eastern Maine earlier this month.

The Dec. 12 storm dropped 6 to 8 inches of rain in places, washing out local roads, flooding basements and closing a border crossing, causing at least $1.7 million in damages.

To qualify for a federal disaster declaration and assistance, the state must show damages of at least $1.65 million.

Washington County was hit the hardest, with an estimated $1.1 million in damages.

If a disaster declaration is granted, the federal government will cover 75 percent of the cost of needed repairs.