State Outlines Additional Aid For Tornado-Affected Communities

One year after deadly tornadoes swept through western and central Massachusetts, state officials have outlined additional aid for many affected communities.

Using $3.9 million in federal emergency funds, the Patrick administration on Wednesday awarded Springfield $1.35 million in reimbursements for road and sidewalk repairs and for removing debris.

The city's engineer told the Springfield Republican that the reimbursements range from 75 to 100 percent of total repair costs.

Seven other Massachusetts communities are slated to receive reimbursements. They are:

- Monson: $519,000
- Wilbraham: $956,000
- West Springfield: $200,000
- Brimfield: $449,000
- Southbridge: $150,000
- Sturbridge: $172,000
- Westfield: $70,000

Additionally, the administration announced a $75,000 grant for Rebuilding Together Springfield, a group that's helping low-income homeowners repair tornado-damaged homes.

"These funds will help [Rebuilding Together Springfield] continue their good work and help bring Springfield back stronger and better than before," said Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development Aaron Gornstein in a statement.

On June 1, 2011, tornadoes caused damage in at least 18 communities in western and central Massachusetts, and left at least three dead.

According to the Patrick administration, "individuals, homeowners and businesses have received more than $26.7 million in federal disaster assistance to cover uninsured losses" and nearly $200 million worth of tornado-related insurance claims have been paid.