Carroll, Coos, Grafton counties awarded federal storm recovery funds

CONCORD — The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved federal disaster assistance for New Hampshire after areas of the Granite State experienced severe storm and flooding in mid-December 2023.

The funding — which will go to recovery efforts in Carroll, Coos and Grafton counties — comes after FEMA worked with state and local emergency management officials to complete a preliminary damage assessment. The assessment found response efforts cost $2.6 million.

“This disaster declaration provides the opportunity for those communities that experienced extensive damage from the severe storm to recuperate costs incurred while fixing damages,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “The state will continue to work with officials in all three counties to utilize relief funding as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The declaration allows communities within the three counties to move forward with seeking federal funding assistance. It also makes federal support available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Public Assistance Program on a cost-sharing basis.

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% 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.

William F. Roy has been named as federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.