FORT KENT, Maine—Gov. John Baldacci and New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham said they plan to examine the response to flooding to be better prepared for future disasters as they toured hard-hit areas in Fort Kent and in Clair, New Brunswick.
Parts of the two communities that are linked by a bridge were flooded when the St. John River reached its highest level in modern history.
"We are standing as one, thankful that no lives were lost," Baldacci said Thursday. "Our goal is to help businesses and families get back on their feet and to get to work on recovery quickly while we're waiting for federal assistance."
Baldacci's third visit to northern Maine since the St. John spilled its banks included a face-to-face meeting with Graham, whose province also experienced flooding.
In Fort Kent, the St. John River topped out early on May 1 above 30 feet, coming within 6 inches of spilling over the town's earthen levee. Nonetheless, much of downtown flooded when the St. John and Fish rivers overflowed their banks. Parts of St. Clair flooded, as well.
The latest aerial estimate last weekend indicated more than 400 structures likely suffered damage in northern Maine.
After visiting areas on both sides of the border, Graham said he wants to discuss how the two governments can work together to promote the area, and to collaborate in the event of emergency situations like the flood.
Maine and New Brunswick have long, historical ties of working together, the premier said.
Baldacci agreed. "We also have a great relationship with New Brunswick, and couldn't ask for better cooperation. Emergency management folks on both sides of the border were talking before it started to rain," he said.
Baldacci already requested a disaster declaration to make available federal resources to individuals, businesses and communities. Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are in parts of Maine making damage assessments.
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development also stands ready to assist with $100,000 in the Urgent Need Grant Program to address serious and immediate threats to health and welfare after a federal declaration, Baldacci said.
The Finance Authority of Maine and the Maine State Housing Authority also have low-interest loan programs available to help businesses and individuals recover.
