LEOMINSTER — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied the City of Leominster’s request for $35 million in disaster relief funding city officials say is needed to repair municipal infrastructure damaged by the flooding that took place last September.
“The amount of damage is not something that we can cover,” said Mayor Dean Mazzarella after learning of FEMA’s decision on Tuesday. “We will regroup and put our energy into applying for funding from the state and other federal agencies.”
From Sept. 11 – 13, 2023, flash floods from torrential downpours turned roadways to waterways, collapsed the asphalt of new streets, and tore through dams.
Leominster was severely impacted; Route 2 was closed in both directions with floodwaters reaching up to four feet high, and parts of Pleasant Street suffered severe soil erosion, leaving buildings on their foundations.
City officials say about 1,400 businesses and residences were adversely affected by the flooding and about $35 million of damage was done to municipal infrastructure.
Last February, FEMA denied Leominster’s request for a disaster designation, but following an appeal, President Joe Biden approved the designation for homeowners and businesses earlier this month. Biden has the final say on FEMA’s disaster declaration designations.
More: Biden approves disaster declaration for counties hit hard by last fall’s flooding
FEMA’s denial letter to Mayor Mazzarella for the municipal relief funding stated that the “damage to the municipal infrastructure is not of such severity or magnitude as to warrant public assistance.”
The day FEMA denied municipal aid to the city, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration were at Leominster City Hall assisting residents affected by the flooding in applying for disaster assistance. They remained at city hall until May 30.
In response to FEMA’s most recent denial to the city, state Senator John Cronin (D-Lunenburg) has filed an amendment to the next fiscal year’s Senate budget, proposing $500,000 in relief funds to be administered by the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. This funding would help cover personal property damage/loss and augment other state aid for disaster relief.
“I’m disappointed,” said Sen. Cronin regarding FEMA’s decision. Mayor Mazzarella echoed this sentiment but highlighted the city’s resilience, stating that city employees will continue seeking grants and loans for repair projects. “We will have to focus on individual projects, one at a time,” he said, noting the tedious, time-consuming nature of the application process.
Mayor Mazzarella mentioned recent conversations with Governor Maura Healey, who has assured the mayor that the state will support Leominster’s rebuilding efforts. The state legislature, at the governor’s request, approved $15 million in flood relief for municipalities impacted by the September rains, with additional funds to be released soon.
Dawn Brantley, Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, expressed disappointment over FEMA’s decision but emphasized ongoing efforts to assist affected communities. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to working alongside local and federal partners to support cities and towns, and we encourage anyone eligible to apply for relief,” she said.
As Leominster navigates this challenging time, Mayor Mazzarella remains focused on opening new doors for funding. “One door is closed. Now we’re hoping a number of different doors will open,” he said.
For residents seeking assistance, FEMA encourages individuals to register through various methods including in-person, via the FEMA app, the agency’s website, or by phone. FEMA officials continue to meet with residents and business owners to document and process damage claims.
