Local, state and federal officials praised President Barack Obama for the speed of the federal disaster declaration. Watch video
Gov. Deval Patrick checks out the mortarboard made out of paper being worn by Christopher Lisojo 11, a 5th grader at the Brookings School, as Lisojo had just come from the 5th grade graduation ceremony at his school that was hit by the June 1tornado. Lisojo's family was also displaced by the tornado when their home was damaged.The governor was in Court Square for a press conference about the recent federal disaster aid announcement. SPRINGFIELD – The declaration of a federal disaster in Hampden and Worcester counties will result in the opening of nine disaster recovery centers in the worst hit communities, beginning this weekend, to provide aid and information to victims of the June 1 tornadoes.
Local, state and federal officials including Gov. Deval L. Patrick and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, gathered at Court Square on Thursday, to announce further details of the disaster aid and to praise the speed of the federal disaster declaration by President Barack Obama. The president signed the declaration just four days after the governor's request and supporting documentation.
“It will take time to rebuild, but we will rebuild, make no mistake about that,” Patrick said.
The first disaster centers are expected to open Saturday in Springfield and West Springfield, and additional centers will open on Sunday, said Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
The specific locations will be publicized once they are ready to open, officials said.
The response from the governor and his staff was “outstanding,” and was followed quickly by the declaration of a federal disaster, Neal said.
There is no set cap on the amount of disaster aid and low interest loans that will forthcoming to the hardest hit communities, and to the damaged and destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure.
“The government responded,” Neal said. “Nobody said when the tornado hit there was too much government.”
Patrick, Neal and Schwartz stressed that people can start getting information and can register for federal aid now.
The phone number to register is (800) 621-FEMA, or (800) 621-3362. The TTY line number for the hearing impaired is (800) 462-7585.
Victims can also register online with FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In addition, there are two state assistance centers still open in Hampden County at the state Department of Transitional Assistance, 95 Liberty St., Springfield, and the Department of Development Service Central, at 171 State Ave., Palmer.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno praised Patrick and Neal for their efforts, which he said began immediately upon news of the tornado.
“We are firmly in the stabilization phase,” Sarno said, adding that the rebuilding phase is just “around the corner” with the federal disaster aid.
Several state legislators and city department heads also attended the press conference.
More details coming in The Republican.