Piscataquis County sustains $2.6M and counting in storm damage

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Damage to the region from last month’s wind and rain storm has so far reached a total of $2.6 million with this amount likely to increase as more reports come in.

“So far Piscataquis County has claimed $2.6 million in damage and we’re still not done yet,” Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency Director Jaeme Duggan told the county commissioners during a meeting on Tuesday morning, Jan. 2.

During a meeting the week prior Duggan said the county has most likely reached thresholds in storm damage to meet disaster declaration criteria. She said towns have been great in reporting storm damage to the agency.

Should federal disaster declarations be made then reimbursements for storm damage would be available. If awarded, funding may not be distributed for 12-18 months as is standard practice.

At the Dec. 26 meeting Duggan said the storm has pushed back the planning process for the April 8 eclipse, but a plan should be ready later this month.

Around 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, April 8, 2024 the moon will be fully in front of the sun for a total solar eclipse, after leading up to the event starting at around 2 o’clock that day. Among the best viewing spaces in the country will be Piscataquis County with thousands of visitors projected to be coming to the region for the event.

To help plan for the influx of people, representatives of Northern Light Mayo and CA Dean Hospitals, fire and police departments from across the region, and emergency management agencies have been busy working to get ready.