Brownville -
Senator Susan Collins (R) spent the afternoon in Brownville Monday touring the damage caused by flash floods that swept through the community last weekend.
The destruction, while costly, has not been enough to earn Maine the help of federal funding.
On the surface, the town is looking better than it did just a week ago when entire roads were in ruin, but as Sen. Collins made her way through the area, it was clear there was still a much bigger hole to fill to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"It's difficult because under the federal law, the state has to reach a threshold of 1.8 million dollars in order to qualify for FEMA assistance," said Collins.
Based on the most recent calculations, the damage statewide falls short, totaling $1.1 million.
If Maine qualified, FEMA would pick up 75% of the costs, MEMA, 15%, and a town like Brownville, the rest.
But at this point, it seems unlikely.
"There's a gap in our federal law because a small community can suffer great damage, such as Brownville or Patten, and the programs are really designed for damage that is broader in its reach," said Collins.
Robert McAleer, director of MEMA, is hopeful that there are still expenses that havent been added in, though.
In Brownville, for example, the price for paving materials could tack on tens of thousands of dollars to the total.
"If we worst cased it, it could be close to $90,000 or slightly more, so we're hoping we can find some large chunks like that that would add together and help us get to that threshold of $1.8 million." said McAleer.
If Maine doesn't receive FEMA funds, Sen. Collins said towns could seek aid through other means, like Community Development Grants or perhaps Federal Highway funds.
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