Trump approves federal disaster declaration for Maine

AUGUSTA (WGME) -- President Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for Maine due to the coronavirus, Gov. Janet Mills said Saturday.

The "major" disaster declaration will unlock federal funding assistance for the state and municipalities throughout Maine.

In particular, the approval means state agencies, cities and towns will be reimbursed for 75 percent of approved costs from their COVID-19 response.

Tenth death, 456 confirmed coronavirus cases, Maine CDC says

More requests for disaster assistance to support child care, behavioral health and legal services among others remain under review.

“I welcome this support from the federal government. It will bolster the response of our state agencies and municipalities who are working to protect the public’s health and safety during these unprecedented times,” Mills said.

“I am grateful to Maine’s Congressional delegation for advocating for this designation, and I am hopeful the President will approve the state’s pending requests for critical resources. Maine people are doing their part to defeat this virus, and those additional resources will provide critical support. We will continue to do all we can to protect our state and provide for Maine people who need our help.”

Maine has seen 10 deaths and 456 confirmed cases throughout all but one county, the Maine Centers for Disease Control said Saturday.