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Homeowners and businesses are urged to apply for federal funding as cleanup from the flooding continues.

By TREVOR MAXWELL, Staff Writer May 11, 2008

Nearly two weeks after major flooding hit the area, residents of Aroostook County on Saturday were relieved to hear that federal assistance is available, and elected officials urged people to apply as soon as possible.

President Bush issued the disaster declaration on Friday. The move cleared the way for federal grants and low-interest loans for hundreds of homeowners and business owners who suffered losses.

"They announced it on the public television station," Patricia Sherman of Fort Kent said on Saturday. "The talk of the town has been: They've got to declare this a disaster area. Everyone up here is trying to clean up."

Fort Kent was hit the hardest of several flooded communities, as the St. John and Fish rivers swamped much of the town's east side. The downtown was largely spared because the 30-foot-high earthen dike held the St. John River back. For a few days, officials were also concerned that the 78-year-old International Bridge would topple.

Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, encouraged residents and business owners to register for federal assistance immediately. She praised the efforts of local, state and federal officials, who worked together over the past week to expedite the process.

"That was important to bring relief as soon as possible and put the region on a path to economic recovery," Snowe said on Saturday, prior to attending a graduation ceremony in Portland for the University of New England.

Kurt Bardella, press secretary for Snowe, said damage surveys are continuing in other parts of Maine, and more counties could be designated as disaster zones.

All four of Maine's congressional delegates, along with Gov. John Baldacci and other officials, toured the flooded area in a helicopter on May 2.

"As a native of the county, I have not ever seen such extraordinary damage to so many homes, buildings, and infrastructure in our state," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in a statement. "Public assistance funds will allow these communities to begin rebuilding schools, police stations, bridges and other infrastructure damaged by the flooding."

Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, said the disaster declaration was welcome news.

"I was stunned by the scope of the damage, but impressed by the phenomenal response by federal, state and local agencies and by the resiliency and determination of the communities and people of northern Maine to rebound from this disaster," Allen said in a statement on Saturday. "I will continue to work with the state and the rest of the delegation to provide the area the resources to repair and rebuild as swiftly as possible."

Christine and Dan Chasse moved back into their house on East Main Street in Fort Kent last week week. It took three industrial pumps to clear their flooded basement.

"You can't imagine the cleanup," Christine Chasse said. Friends, relatives and strangers descended to help out families in their neighborhood, and the work has been constant since the floodwater receded.

She said her family will apply for aid, but they don't need much and they won't be disappointed if their application is denied.

"We have so many people helping us. That is the way this community is," Chasse said. "People are unbelievable. They just do it, they don't want recognition."

Besides help from FEMA, the Maine State Housing Authority will offer low-interest loans to residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged.

MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick said residents should check with MaineHousing or the Savings Bank of Maine to see if they qualify.

Also, the Finance Authority of Maine has approved two programs to help businesses that have been impacted by the disaster.

For federal aid, people should begin the process by registering at www.fema.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362. The TTD line is 1-800-462-7585. The numbers will be staffed from 8 a.m....