Federal emergency management officials are in Maine this week to tour damage caused by the winter storm that knocked out power to thousands and fueled a massive coastal storm surge just before Christmas.
The state has identified seven counties — York, Cumberland, Somerset, Waldo, Oxford, Knox and Lincoln — as potentially eligible for federal disaster relief funds, said Vanessa Corson, public information officer for the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
“A lot is riding on this week and what the outcome is,” she said.
The powerful rain and wind storm hit Maine on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, knocking out electricity to more than 365,000 households and businesses statewide.
Wind gusts reached 65 mph and storm surge combined with an astronomical high tide, which led to damage along the coast.
In addition, rapidly melting snow and warming temperatures caused inland flooding.
The storm resulted in more than $2.4 million in damage, according to the state, which prompted the federal inspection.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are looking for damage to public infrastructure, such as bridges, culverts, roads, sea walls, public docks and light poles, Corson said.
That list includes Portland Head Light, the iconic symbol of Maine in Cape Elizabeth that sustained damage to its museum, including broken windows and doors and smashed fencing.
If the federal officials agree with the state’s damage assessment, Gov. Janet Mills will then submit a funding request to the president, Corson said. A decision from President Joe Biden could take weeks or months.