Town of Rye Hosts N.H. Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA to Discuss Storm Damage

RYE — Town Administrator Matt Scruton, Police Chief Kevin Walsh, Fire Chief Mark Cotreau, and Department of Public Works Director Jason Rucker are pleased to share that town officials met with state and federal representatives to discuss the storm damage caused by recent storms.

Town of Rye leaders met with representatives from the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and District 24 state Senator Debra Altschiller on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to discuss the preliminary assessment of damages caused by the storms on Jan. 10 through Jan. 14.  

Town Officials presented documentation of resources used and information on repairs needed within Rye as a result of the recent storms. The storms included heavy rain, high tides, and extreme flooding along parts of the New Hampshire and Maine coast.

FEMA representatives visited the high-impact areas from the storm to assess the damage, take pictures, measure dimensions, and learn about what repairs will be needed in these areas.  

Affected areas visited by officials were the Harbor Bridge at Harbor Road, the seawall at Sawyer Beach between Sea Road and Ocean Boulevard, and the sidewalk on Ocean Boulevard between Causeway Street and South Road.  

These areas affect travel and safety for residents and community members and will need a variety of repairs.  

The meeting is one of many that will help state and federal entities determine if the damage within the county and across New Hampshire meets the threshold to consider these storms a declared disaster. If the storms on Jan. 10 through Jan. 14 are classified as a disaster, state and federal resources will be available to cover repair costs for the affected areas across the state.  

“I would like to thank the representatives from FEMA and N.H. Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and state Senator Debra Altschiller for taking the time to visit Rye and help us assess these areas of concern,” said Police Chief Walsh. “These areas are very popular within our community as residents often drive over the Harbor Bridge or walk along the sidewalk on Ocean Boulevard. The current conditions make it unsafe to travel and repairing these areas will help ensure the safety of our residents. The sea wall has also been affected, which is used to mitigate damage from high tides and large waves during storms. We are grateful for this opportunity to work with the state and

FEMA as we work to determine if we meet the threshold for disaster assistance.”  

Property owners affected by the storm and those who require assistance are asked to call 211 to verify they are on the resource list. Residents and business owners are asked to contact their insurance company and take pictures of damages before calling 211.  

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