June 16, 2011
By: Bruce Berry
Two Massachusetts towns that were hit hard by recent tornadoes may not be eligible for federal aid, according to reports.
Sturbridge and Southbridge, both of which lie in Worcester County, don't qualify for federal relief dollars because the county itself has not yet been declared a major disaster area by President Barack Obama. Neighboring Hampden County did receive that distinction, meaning homeowners in that portion of the state could soon receive relief funds to go along with home insurance payouts.
Governor Deval Patrick wrote to the president last weekend asking that he make a special exception for Sturbridge and Southbridge. The town's high number of low-income households means many residents may not have the finances to rebuild, Patrick wrote.
"The towns of Sturbridge and Southbridge should not be excluded from receiving federal financial assistance merely by being on the wrong side of a county line, a boundary not respected by the tornado's path," Patrick wrote.
The early June tornadoes were some of the most severe in years for Massachusetts, killing four residents and leading to nearly $25 million in tornado damage, the state reported.
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