Town to Seek Federal Aid for Snow-Removal Costs

North Reading will seek federal reimbursement for cleanup costs associated with the that dumped close to two feet of snow on the area.

Under an emergency declaration signed by President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide reimbursement to local governments for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of snow and ice removal, equipment, contracts and personnel overtime related to dealing with the snow for a continuous 48-hour period.

The disaster declaration covers six Massachusetts counties, including Middlesex County.

Town Administrator Greg Balukonis said the town estimates its cleanup costs for the Jan. 12 storm to be in the range of $200,000. North Reading will submit for reimbursement, and officials will attend an upcoming Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency workshop that is aimed at helping local governments through the application process, Balukonis said.

North Reading has spent slightly more than $700,000 in snow removal this winter, well above the $300,000 that was available. Remaining funds will be appropriated this spring during Town Meeting, officials have said.

In addition to seeking assistance for the January storm cleanup, the town is still waiting on $112,000 in FEMA funds related to the March 2010 flooding in the Martins Pond area.

“These funds literally trickle into the town by a schedule controlled by the state and federal governments,” Balukonis said. “The town has made repeated requests to FEMA and MEMA for release of the funds, without success.”

MEMA spokesman Peter Judge said the federal government recently released that money to the state. The state comptroller will be responsible for transferring funds to North Reading's account, Judge said.