AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Gov. Paul LePage has asked the president for a disaster declaration to help recover from a powerful windstorm that knocked out power for more than half of the state’s homes and businesses.
The storm on the day before Halloween toppled drought-weakened trees, left roads impassable and knocked down more than 1,400 utility poles.
The governor said the state documented $4.7 million in damage to public infrastructure, far surpassing the threshold for a declaration.
LePage said several communities spent days cleaning up from the damage, and that the cleanup will cut deeply into municipal budgets.
The governor’s request is for public assistance, but small businesses also could become eligible for aid, as well. The request doesn’t cover individuals, who generally rely on insurance.