Governor Baldacci Looks At Flooded Areas From Above

Governor Baldacci Looks At Flooded Areas From Above

Governor John E. Baldacci spent Monday walking through knee-deep waters along York Beach, looking at the damage caused by excessive rainfall. Tuesday afternoon, Governor Baldacci looked at the damage from above.

Three officials from the Department of Transportation and the head of the United States Coast Guard Region 1, Admiral Pekoske, joined Governor Baldacci for the flyover. The purpose of the trip was to see the existing damage to roads and bridges from the air as well as the potential for further damage as rainfall continues throughout southern Maine and New England.

"The damage is excessive," said Governor Baldacci. "The state is doing everything it can to be ready to repair the roads and bridges as quickly as possible once the waters recede."

Governor Baldacci continued, saying, "There are several businesses affected by the flooding, and we intend on helping them through this. I have also seen many York County businesses that are still open and staying dry." According to MEMA, waters levels are starting to go down at the dams. Spaulding Dam has gone down 11 inches, and Milton Dam has also dropped significantly. The National Weather Service is predicting rain through the weekend for southern Maine, but the only chance of heavy rain in York County will be late Thursday into early Friday, when about one inch is possible.

Tuesday afternoon, Governor Baldacci's group flew over Salmon River Falls and various dams to examine the damage. Assessment teams from FEMA will be in Maine on Friday.

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