Flash flooding in Jay, Maine has caused extensive damage, with an estimated cost of $4 million. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently visited the town to assess the destruction caused by the June 29 flooding. Some roads remain impassable and require permits from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to be repaired.
Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere reported that the FEMA representatives were impressed by the extent of the damage, although she expressed uncertainty about whether their reaction was appropriate. The town has already calculated a preliminary estimate of $4 million in damages, with $500,000 worth of damage to the Whistle Stop Rail-Trail, which is currently closed from Steve’s Family Market in Wilton to Jay Plaza.
LaFreniere and her team, including Public Works Director John Johnson, have been collecting information and completing paperwork for both the June 29 flash flooding and another storm that occurred between April 30 and May 1. A Federal Disaster Declaration has already been approved by the president for the latter storm, covering eight counties, including Jay.
One road, Soules Hill Road, has been made passable and reopened, although it still requires further repairs. To make other impassable roads accessible in the meantime, the town is considering renting temporary bridges, which would be covered by federal funding if a Presidential Disaster Declaration is granted for the June 29 storm.
In a show of community support, Polycor Inc., a granite company in North Jay, donated granite chips to assist with the repairs. LaFreniere expressed her gratitude for the company’s assistance, noting that a representative called during the storm to offer their help.
To carry out the necessary repairs, the town has hired Main-Land Development Consultants to provide engineering work based on FEMA’s cost estimates. Under the proposed funding plan, FEMA would cover 75% of the costs, the state would contribute 15%, and the town would be responsible for the remaining 10%. Any donations received by the town would count towards its 10% share.
In other town matters, a diesel fuel price of $3.23 per gallon has been secured for the Jay, Livermore Falls, and Regional School Unit 73 entities from Winthrop Fuel Co. for the 2023-24 period. The Select Board has also signed a two-year contract with Vortex Services in Livermore for sewer line services.
The board has nominated three residents to serve on the Planning Board, with the appointments set to be confirmed on August 14. Daniel Ryder has been nominated as a regular member, while Jamie Carden-Leventhal and Cheryl-Ann Jerry have been nominated as alternate members.
Lastly, Ron Jacques has been appointed to the Spruce Mountain Board of Directors, representing Jay. The town, along with Livermore and Livermore Falls, jointly owns the mountain and its buildings, while the Spruce Mountain Ski Club manages the ski area and equipment.
Despite the appointment of Jacques, Town Manager LaFreniere acknowledged that Randy Easter, a current board member connected to the mountain operations, has chosen not to seek reappointment due to his impending move out of town.
Overall, the town of Jay is grappling with the aftermath of severe flash flooding and is working diligently to secure the necessary permits and funding to repair the extensive damage caused.
