For the second time in two months, Maine has received a storm-related disaster declaration from President Joe Biden, freeing up federal funds for cleanup efforts. 

Gov. Janet Mills announced the newest declaration today, in response to storms on Jan. 10 and Jan. 13, both of which brought damaging heavy winds and coastal storm surges. Mills, in her announcement, estimated as much as $70 million in damages from the January storms alone. 

 “President Biden’s approval unlocks federal relief funds that will help Maine communities, individuals, and families as they repair storm damage,” Mills said. “My administration will continue to do everything possible to help Maine communities recover from and become more resilient to catastrophic weather events.”  

The new declaration comes on the heels of a similar disaster declaration on Jan. 31, in response to a devastating storm on Dec. 17. More than half a million Mainers lost power in the storm, and resulting flooding brought major rivers several feet above flood stage. According to Mills’ statement, so far that declaration led to nearly $9 million in federal funding for individuals requesting assistance. 

The latest disaster declaration covers coastal areas including Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland and York counties. The storms in January coincided with astronomically high tides to deliver storm surges to coastal communities. The surges washed away piers, dumped several feet of sand as far as 100 feet inland and threatened businesses clustered along Portland Harbor. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will work with state officials in the next few weeks to set up disaster recovery centers in affected areas, Mills said. 

Mills said Mainers may still apply for assistance by visiting www.maine.gov/flood.