Senator Timilty Calls Upon MEMA To Give Foxborough Separate Damage Assessment

Senator Jim Timilty (D-Walpole) is calling upon the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to give Foxborough seperate damage assessments in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm.

In a letter addressed to MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz, Senator Timilty addressed the request to give Foxborough an independent assessment of damages following Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm on Tuesday. After emergencies have been declared, public assistance funding becomes available from FEMA, where first priorities are addressed on a county basis.

“I have heard countless stories from residents and Town officials detailing the overwhelming challenges Foxborough has faced,” wrote Senator Timilty in the letter.  “However, given Foxborough’s proximity to Bristol County, I am asking that your office give an independent assessment of the Town of Foxborough’s conditions as their county of jurisdiction may be less applicable than their regional relationship with Bristol County.”

Public Assistance funding following emergencies or disasters is made available through a grant program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The preliminary damage assessment is the first step in the application process. 

“I think it’s important that special attention be given to Foxborough given the damage sustained by the surrounding region,” said Senator Timilty.  “The challenges facing communities in southern Norfolk along the Bristol border are vastly different from those in areas like Brookline and Quincy, and it is my hope that MEMA will recognize those differences upon their consideration of Foxborough’s conditions.”

This letter comes as Foxborough files their initial assessment with MEMA.  Once the State has evaluated recovery capabilities, the governor normally sends a request letter to the President, who then makes the decision whether or not to declare a major disaster or emergency.