Granite State Times

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to extend the disaster declaration period for storms in Cheshire and Sullivan Counties to include the first two days of August.

In a Dec. 28 tweet, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) thanked the state of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“NH HSEM fought hard to reverse the initial decision. I am glad FEMA recognized the need for assisting with the costs related to the extensive damage caused during the Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 rainstorms,” Sununu said.

According to a report by Sentinel Source, these declarations clear the way for federal coverage of 75% of costs incurred by state and local government and nonprofits as a result of damaged roads and bridges from flooding throughout the Monadnock region.

While more than $3.2 million in costs have already been identified, Sentinel Source reports this is only a preliminary figure that could go much higher as the state continues to work with local and federal partners to make sure affected communities can access funding. 

This decision comes as 10 inches of rainfall hit Southwestern New Hampshire in July, which is double the normal amount. Severe flooding at the end of the month led to regional flooding, with monthly totals at 19.17 inches in Jaffrey and 16.93 inches in Keene, according to Sentinel Source.

Disaster declarations may stay open for multiple months to allow adequate time for a full assessment of damages, though storm-related costs for the first two days of August will be subject to federal coverage.