(WASHINGTON) Congressman Richard E. Neal today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Commonwealth of Massachusetts $5.9 million in federal funding for the City of Springfield and the Town of Wilbraham's post-tornado debris removal efforts. The federal funding, approximately $3,973,621 for Springfield, and $1,940,851 for Wilbraham, is in the form of a Public Assistance grant, and represents a 75% federal reimbursement to the two local communities. On November 7th, Congressman Neal held a regional summit in Springfield with FEMA representatives and local elected officials to give them an update on the post-tornado federal reimbursement process. He continues to visit every community in his congressional district that suffered damage to lend his support to local recovery efforts.
"As the federal reimbursement process begins, the local recovery and rebuilding process continues. Today's announcement is just the start of federal disaster relief for the communities that suffered damage from the June tornado. I expect more significant funding announcements to be made in the coming weeks. After the devastating storms, I pledged to do everything I could to help the people of western Massachusetts recover. This federal reimbursement will help the resilient communities of Springfield and Wilbraham rebuild following the worst natural disaster in a generation," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
"I'm pleased things are beginning to move in the right direction towards reimbursements for the City of Springfield," said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. "My administration will continue to work diligently and on a daily basis with FEMA officials in a collaborative manner so that we receive maximum reimbursements. Today's notification shows that we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I remain appreciative of my city staffers for their ongoing efforts and for the dedicated efforts of Congressman Neal, the Patrick-Murray administration and Senators Kerry and Brown. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that the taxpayers of Springfield receive every dime in reimbursements were entitled to."