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Wilbraham receives state grant to aid tornado cleanup efforts

Date: 10/29/2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM — The town of Wilbraham received a substantial grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which was presented by Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan on Oct. 23.

A total of $286,110 was given to assist with efforts to clean up portions of the town that were damaged when the June 1, 2011 tornado swept through the area.

"These funds demonstrate the Administration's continued commitment to the communities impacted by the tornadoes," Sullivan said. "Together, we are improving the quality of life in our communities by rebuilding, restoring, and replanting so residents can enjoy their neighborhoods for generations to come."

The grant funding, which was a portion of $4 million allotted by Gov. Deval Patrick on to help 10 towns affected by the tornado, will be utilized for stump and debris removal.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the $4 million in grant assistance is the second part of Patrick's recovery plan. The first part was initiated 20 days after the tornado occurred when the governor signed a supplemental budget bill that provided $15 million in an effort to offset costs by municipalities in the wake of the disaster.

The town also received $55,000 from the Department of Conservation and Recreation — $50,000 for tree planting and $5,000 for the fire department.

"We are so very appreciative to receive the support of Secretary Sullivan and the funding issued from his office to help with our community's tornado recovery efforts," Board of Selectmen Chair Robert Boilard said. "For the past year, the town has worked tirelessly to clean up the devastation caused by the 2011 tornadoes and storms. This additional funding will allow the town to continue its efforts to restore the environment impacted by this force of nature and to further ensure the community's safety from damaged, dead trees as well as aid in preventing forest fires."

In December 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency made available $1.9 million in reimbursement for costs associated with tornado cleanup. In total, the town spent $4.5 million.

Between the tornado, the July 26, 2011 microburst and the Oct. 26, 2011 snowstorm, the town spent more than $10 million in storm cleanup in 2011.