Mass. Delegation Urges Obama to Extend Disaster Aid

In a letter to Obama, the delegation says the 48-hour period approved in late April isn't adequate

Massachusetts' congressional delegation is urging President Barack Obama to accept Gov. Charlie Baker's request that the federal government extend its disaster aid coverage for a late January blizzard from 48 to 72 hours.

In a letter to Obama, the delegation says the 48-hour period approved in late April isn't adequate.

They point to what they call "the excessive costs incurred by the state and municipalities in nine counties in plowing, hauling, and disposing of crippling amounts for now from the blizzard and subsequent storms."

Baker initially asked federal officials to issue a disaster declaration for the entire 28-day period during which the state was pounded by snow.

The disaster declaration allows eligible entities to seek 75 percent reimbursement of snow removal costs.

Approximately 250 cities and towns are eligible.

Copyright The Associated Press
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