Press Release

For Immediate Release November 22, 2011

Contact: Communications Director Office of the Governor 603-271-2121

CONCORD – Governor Lynch has asked President Barack Obama for a presidential declaration that, if granted, will make New Hampshire eligible for federal disaster aid to help cover costs resulting from the October snow storm.

"This severe storm resulted in historic snowfall levels for the months of October and November throughout many areas of the State," Governor Lynch wrote in his request. "Because this storm occurred at the end of October, most trees were still covered with leaves. The record snowfall amounts, combined with high winds with gusts to 35 mph, caused very significant tree damage and produced the second-largest number of utility customer power outages in New Hampshire history."

The Governor's request is for damage to public infrastructure in Hillsborough and Rockingham counties. Local communities, the State and FEMA assessment teams estimate damage to public infrastructure in those two counties to be nearly $3 million.

At the height of the storm, more than 40 state roads and over 250 local roads were closed or severely restricted due to downed power lines and debris. Some 122 elementary and secondary schools were closed statewide, many for several days.

A total of twelve shelters and six warming stations were opened during the storm. The storm also knocked out power to approximately 300,000 utility customers, leaving many without power for up to a week. The storm's damage was compounded by the fact it occurred less than 60 days after Tropical Storm Irene caused significant damage across New Hampshire.

If Governor Lynch's request is granted, the federal aid will help cover costs local communities incurred while responding to the storm, and removal of significant amounts of debris in the storm's aftermath.

FEMA previously granted a limited declaration for New Hampshire, which would only covered the cost of water, food and other materials such as generators supplied directly by federal agencies. It did not include aid to help cover the cost of response to the storm, including snow and debris removal.

A copy of the Governor's letter is below:

November 21, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Through: Don R. Boyce
Regional Administrator
FEMA Region I
99 High Street 6th Fl.
Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Re: Request for Major Disaster Declaration For Severe Storm

Dear Mr. President:

Under the provisions of Section 401 (a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5208 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, I request that you declare a major disaster for Hillsborough and Rockingham counties in the State of New Hampshire as a result of a severe, out-of-season storm with historic snowfall and high winds on October 29 and 30, 2011.

I am specifically requesting that the full Public Assistance program and Direct Federal Assistance, including snow removal assistance pursuant to 44 CFR § 206.227 and FEMA 9523.1 Snow Assistance Policy, be designated for Hillsborough and Rockingham counties and that the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program be designated statewide, in addition to the direct federal assistance that was already granted on November 1, 2011 (FEMA 3344- EM). In regard to the provision of snow assistance, I am requesting that Hillsborough County be designated as a core county and Rockingham as a contiguous county under FEMA's Snow Assistance Policy.

The Severe Storm Event:

This severe storm resulted in historic snowfall levels for the months of October and November throughout many areas of the State. Hillsborough County confirmed 1-day snow totals on October 29-30, 2011 of 26.2 inches in New Ipswich and 24 inches in Peterborough. Confirmed 1-day totals in Rockingham County during the same period were 14.3 inches in Northwood and 13.5 inches in Deerfield. Enclosure E details the snowfall data as reported by the National Weather Service and historical record snowfall data from the National Climatic Data Center.

Because this storm occurred at the end of October, most trees were still covered with leaves. The record snowfall amounts, combined with high winds with gusts to 35 mph, caused very significant tree damage and produced the second-largest number of utility customer power outages in New Hampshire history – approximately 300,000 as of mid-day on October 30th. The power in much of the affected counties was not restored until a week after the storm had passed.

At the height of the storm, more than 40 state roads and over 250 local roads were closed or severely restricted due to downed power lines and debris. Some 122 elementary and secondary schools were closed statewide, many for several days.

A total of twelve shelters and six warming stations were opened during the storm. These included: two regional shelters in Nashua and Londonderry; ten local shelters in Manchester, Rochester, Newmarket, Brentwood, Newton, Hooksett, Auburn, Allenstown, Bedford and Derry; and six warming stations in Auburn, Bedford, Milford, Salem, Chester and Deerfield. Sunday night, October 30th, there were a total of 243 occupants; by Monday night that had increased to 259 occupants. Shelters in total housed 600 occupants for this storm.

The impact of this severe storm was compounded by the fact that it occurred less than 60 days from Tropical Storm Irene, and followed severe weather and flooding events in February and March 2010, for which President Obama issued two separate Major Disaster Declarations. Indeed, FEMA's New Hampshire field office established after Tropical Storm Irene continued to operate during and after this storm.

A more detailed description of the impact of this storm on the state, its citizens and businesses is set forth in the attached State Impact Statement.

In response to the situation, I undertook appropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State Emergency Plan on October 29, 2011, in accordance with Section 401 (a) of the Stafford Act. I also opened the state Incident Planning and Operations Center (IPOC) and directed that it coordinate the State's emergency response and recovery to this event and remain open as necessary throughout the event period.

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

A preliminary damage assessment for federal Public Assistance began on November 3, 2011. The New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) requested all communities in New Hampshire to conduct a damage assessment for this event. Based upon this PDA, New Hampshire requested a FEMA/State/Local PDA on November 5, 2011. FEMA initiated the PDA on November 7, 2011, which concluded on November 14, 2011.

The verified FEMA PDA indicates that two counties exceed the county threshold of $3.39 per capita. These are Hillsborough ($4.59) and Rockingham ($3.41). Damages will exceed the statewide threshold of $2.16 per capita. Current state and local FEMA verified damage assessments exceed $2,845,000 in total infrastructure damages in these two counties.

Request for Federal Assistance:

Pursuant to 44 CFR § 206.35, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments, and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary to save lives and to protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. I am specifically requesting the full Public Assistance Program be implemented for Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, and that the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program be designated statewide. As part of Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, the state is requesting snow removal assistance. This historic severe storm impacted local and State governments with enormous amounts of debris, which required a very significant emergency response in order to protect the citizens and property of New Hampshire.

I am also requesting Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) for work and services in order to support life-saving/sustaining activities, property protection, and public health and safety requirements. The state is now determining its specific needs, which are anticipated to include the following: USACE debris removal subject matter experts and other FEMA technical and advisory services.

The types and amount of assistance needed under the Stafford Act are tabulated in the State Impact Statement and its attachments.

The State of New Hampshire has an approved standard Hazard Mitigation Plan dated October 2010. The Plan identifies flooding and flash flooding as a high-risk hazard and has prioritized projects to lessen the effects of severe events, such as this, statewide. The State participates in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. In addition, local hazard mitigation plans identify flooding and flash flooding as a severe hazard and prioritize projects to minimize the effects of these events.

Use of State and Local Resources:

The following information is furnished on the nature and amount of state and local resources that have been or will be used to alleviate the conditions of this emergency:

1. The IPOC was activated on October 29, 2011 at 10 p.m. Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Traffic Management Center, State Police and E911 personnel monitored the impact of the storm. Additionally, there were seven local emergency operations centers initially opened to respond to the storm.
2. As of 7 a.m. on October 30, 2011, the IPOC was activated at Level III with the following Emergency Support Functions (ESF): Transportation, Communications & Alerting, Public Works & Engineering, Emergency Management, Mass Care, Sheltering and Human Services, Resource Support, Health & Medical Services, Energy and Public Safety and Security. The IPOC continued to operate on a 24-hour-a-day basis until November 4, 2011.
3. The National Guard, Department of Environmental Services, GIS Mapping and the Department of Information Technology were activated to provide support services for this event. The National Guard activities included Resource Support, traffic control, CST standby status, planning cell functions, and activation of the NG JOC. GIS Mapping provided outage maps by utility and graphical displays of local EOC and shelter status.
4. During this event, there were approximately 20 local emergency operations centers across the state opened to respond to the needs and safety of the community. Activities included sheltering of residents, clearing of debris, road access and security, health and welfare checks to homes and coordination of response and recovery efforts.
5. The Department of Transportation and many local crews throughout the state were deployed to plow snow and remove debris from roadways in order to provide passage for emergency and utility vehicles to hundreds of roads. The Department also provided technical support to local public work crews.
6. The IPOC completed over 80 mission-tasking requests from state agencies and local governments. These tasking requests included shelter needs, bottled water and meals, a mobile communications unit, generators for critical facilities and shelter assistance for an elderly population.

Federal Agency Response and Assistance:

The following information is furnished on efforts and resources of other Federal agencies, which have been or will be used in responding to this incident:

The National Weather Service, Gray, ME and Taunton, MA, were used extensively throughout this event to provide weather assessments, warnings and situational awareness.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide technical guidance in debris removal and assistance in updating the New Hampshire Debris Management Plan.

Specific requirements for assistance from federal agencies under other statutory authorities are still being evaluated.

Certifications for Direct Federal Assistance:

I certify that for this emergency, the state and local governments will assume all applicable non-Federal share of costs required by the Stafford Act.

I request direct Federal assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property.

(a) State and local government cannot perform or contract for performance of the services and technical advice identified in paragraph (b) below.

(b) New Hampshire is still actively responding to this storm and assisting local communities in the recovery. Although unable to fully quantify the amount of assistance that will be needed from Federal resources, a declaration at this time is critical in getting anticipated resources in place to protect life and public safety. The state is requesting Direct Federal Assistance, and is determining its specific immediate needs for such assistance, including USACE debris removal subject matter experts and other FEMA technical and advisory services. These needs are beyond the ability of the state and local governments to supply at this time. The state's need for assistance from Federal resources will continue to grow as the extent of damage is fully assessed.

In accordance with 44 CFR § 206.208, the State of New Hampshire agrees that it will, with respect to direct Federal assistance:

1. Provide without cost to the United States all lands, easement, and rights-of-ways necessary to accomplish the approved work;
2. Hold and save the United States free from damages due to the requested work, and shall indemnify the Federal Government against any claims arising from such work;
3. Provide reimbursement to FEMA for the non-Federal share of the cost of such work in accordance with the provisions of the FEMA-State Agreement; and
4. Assist the performing Federal agency in all support and local jurisdictional matters.

In addition, I anticipate the need for debris removal, which poses an immediate threat to lives, public health, and safety.

Pursuant to Sections 403 and 407 of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5192 & 5173, the State agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the United States of America for any claims arising from the removal of debris or wreckage for this disaster. The State agrees that debris removal from public and private property will not occur until the landowner signs an unconditional authorization for the removal of debris.

I have designated Michael Poirier as the State Coordinating Officer for this request. He will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in damage assessments and may provide further information or justification on my behalf.

Sincerely,

John H. Lynch
Governor