Briefings Set for Halloween Storm Aid Applications

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FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Towns and cities will get the lowdown next week on applying for aid for the unusual Halloween storm that dropped more than a foot of snow across the region.

The six counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester and Middlesex can receive 75 percent of eligible expenses through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program.

The federal funds are made available becuase of the state receiving a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the Nor'easter that pummelled the region over Oct. 29-30, 2011.

The scheduled briefings by FEMA and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will also cover the reimbursement process for municipalities, state agencies and eligible private non-profit organizations for protective measures, clearing debris from public roads and public property, and repairing, replacing or restoring damaged public facilities and infrastructure.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m.
Berkshire Community College
Auditorium, Room K111
1350 West St., Pittsfield

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m.
MEMA Region III/IV
1002 Suffield St., Agawam
Friday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
South Deerfield Fire Station

84 Greenfield Road
South Deerfield

Friday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m.
UMass Police Department
585 East Pleasant St., Amherst
In addition, the four counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire, which received record or near-record snowfall from this storm, as determined by the National Weather Service, will also be briefed on Snow Assistance as part of the Public Assistance Program. This PA Program will reimburse cities and towns, state agencies and certain non-profit organizations for 75 percent of the cost of snow and ice removal from public roads for a 48-hour period.

"The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency looks forward to assisting all of the affected cities and towns, and eligible private non-profit organizations in these most affected counties as they continue to make their way through this process," said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. "After a very trying 2011, these funds will go a long way in helping these communities."

Communities are encouraged to send representatives from local emergency management, public works and finance departments since the briefings will explain the reimbursement process in detail. The briefings are expected to last approximately 90 minutes. It is imperative that communities send at least one representative to obtain the necessary forms and information to enable each community to receive proper reimbursement.

Private non-profit organizations located in these counties may be eligible to receive federal reimbursement for their expenses. In order for a private non-profit to be eligible for reimbursement, it must be performing an essential government service and have incurred a minimum of $1,000 in eligible expenses.

All briefings are open to applicants. For assistance in identifying an eligible private non-profit, refer to www.fema.gov or contact the MEMA Disaster Recovery Department at 508-820-2004.


Tags: FEMA,   MEMA,   snowstorm,   

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Pittsfield Resident Victim of Alleged Murder in Greenfield

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A man found dismembered in a barrel in Greenfield on Monday has been identified as Pittsfield resident.
 
The Northwestern District Attorney's Office identified victim as Christopher Hairston, 35, and subsequently arrested a suspect, Taaniel Herberger-Brown, 42, at Albany (N.Y.) International Airport on Tuesday.
 
The Daily Hampshire Gazette reported that Herberger-Brown told investigators he planned on visiting his mother outside the country. 
 
Herberger-Brown was detained overnight, and the State Police obtained an arrest warrant on a single count of murder on Tuesday morning, the Greenfield Police Department said in a press release.
 
According to a report written by State Police Trooper Blakeley Pottinger, the body was discovered after Greenfield police received reports of a foul odor emitting from the apartment along with a black hatchet to the left of the barrel, the Greenfield Recorder reported. 
 
Investigators discovered Hairston's hand and part of a human torso at Herberger-Brown’s former apartment, located at 92 Chapman St, the news outlet said. 
 
According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Herberger-Brown originally told investigators that he had not been to the apartment in months because he had been in and out of hospitals. 
 
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