Madison granted disaster declaration

MADISON — Madison and other Carroll County communities affected by June flooding can now seek federal reimbursement for emergency work and repairs after President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration Thursday.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced Thursday that Trump granted her request for a major disaster declaration. The approval followed an initial denial and an appeal, according to state Sen. Mark McConkey (R-Freedom).

“Very good news for Madison. As you know, we suffered extensive damage during the June torrential rainstorm,” said Madison Selectman Joe Dame. “We could not complete all the road repairs in a timely manner without both state and federal assistance.”

Selectmen's chair Joy Gray said the governor's press release was "incredible news."

"We spoke at our last (selectmen's) meeting about the specific repair projects from the flood event and repairs underway," Gray said.

Madison Fire Chief Mike Brooks told the Sun that he has spent 182 hours so far in working on the declaration and he will be continuing to pursue the funding.

The declaration makes FEMA funding available on a cost-sharing basis to the state, eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storm in Carroll County.

A preliminary damage assessment conducted by FEMA and state and local officials identified more than $3.12 million in costs associated with the storm, exceeding the state’s federal disaster threshold.

Madison sustained $2.86 million in validated damage, while Eaton sustained nearly $100,000. Madison’s road damage figure did not include the heavy damage to Route 113.

“I want to thank President Trump for approving this important relief for New Hampshire. Securing this funding was a result of the strong partnership between New Hampshire’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, local officials, and our partners at FEMA,” said Ayotte, a Republican running for reelection in November.

Executive Councilor Joe Kenney (R-Wakefield) said, "In speaking with Selectman Joe Dame yesterday at a separate event in Berlin, he mentioned not having this FEMA reimbursement money would be catastrophic."

McConkey said FEMA will likely cover 75% of the cost of all the repairs.

He said he first shared the news with Fire Chief Mike Brooks who he said worked so hard on the paperwork.

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"Its absolutely tremendous," said McConkey. "It didn't happen on the first attempt."

"I appreciate the positive recognition from the senator," said Brooks. "Kudos go to him, Gov. Ayotte, our local state representatives, Austin Brown and his team at Homeland Security & Emergency Management who prepared the appeal and followed through. I am aware that this effort was endorsed in a joint letter from our federal delegation as well. This will surely ease the burden on our taxpayers moving forward."

Dame told the Sun Thursday that repairs are ongoing with the goal of having the roads plowable by winter.

Dame credited U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander for their efforts in Washington. He also credited McConkey and Kenney for working with Ayotte on the initial request and appeal.

“Great team effort,” he said.

Ayotte submitted her request for a major disaster declaration July 8. In that request, she said Carroll County received 2-5 inches of rain, with localized amounts exceeding 5 inches and rainfall rates reaching 4 inches per hour.

The state described the resulting flooding as consistent with a 200- to 500-year recurrence interval.

“The damages created hazardous conditions, restricted travel and limited access for first responders,” Ayotte wrote in her request.

“Dozens of residents were trapped in their homes, and emergency personnel were unable to reach many affected areas,” she said.

Madison Elementary School closed for two days because school buses could not safely transport students, according to the request.

Robert Buxton, director of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, thanked communities for participating in the damage assessment process.

“This declaration will provide a step toward recovery in the communities that experienced damages from the severe storms and flooding in June. We will continue to assist communities with the process of making repairs and working on mitigation projects to prevent similar problems in the future,” Buxton said.

FEMA named Jarrett W. Devine the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations. The agency said additional designations could be made if warranted by further damage assessments.