The Federal Emergency Management Agency today declared that Massachusetts had experienced disaster just before last Halloween, when the spooky snowstorm that savaged the northeast disrupted power in the commonwealth for weeks. The autumn leaves, unwitting accomplices, were still on the trees. Distressed branches cracked one after another, sounding like thunder, toppling onto houses and roads and power lines.
The declaration makes federal funds (apparently there are some) available to state and local government (and some non-profits orgs) on a cost-sharing basis, for repair and replacement of damaged facilities. The money can also be claimed for “protective measures” including “snow assistance” undertaken within 48 hours of the storm, which occurred nearly two-and-a-half months ago.
