Federal aid OK'd for ice storm disaster relief
BOSTON --The federal government has agreed to provide disaster aid for Massachusetts communities hardest hit by the Dec. 11 ice storm.
Gov. Deval Patrick requested the disaster relief, saying some families and businesses had been without power for almost two weeks.
The assistance was authorized by President Bush following a review of Patrick's request by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The aid will be made available to Worcester, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire counties.
Cities and towns, state agencies and nonprofit groups can apply to be reimbursed for 75 percent of the cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing, replacing or restoring damaged public infrastructure. 