FY13 Supplemental Budget Includes Key Funding for Arlington Storm Recovery

The FY13 supplemental budget signed last week includes an amendment filed by Senator Ken Donnelly, Representative Sean Garballey and Representative Dave Rogers to provide much needed funding to reimburse the Town of Arlington for expenses related to last July’s microburst storm. After the hurricane-force wind gusts caused considerable damage to East Arlington, public works crews, firefighters and police worked a substantial amount of overtime on clean-up and public safety efforts.  

“Last July, the Town of Arlington was forced to use money from other important services to pay for the coordinated clean-up effort that kept the residents of East Arlington safe,” said Senator Donnelly. “I am pleased that our delegation worked together to provide this crucial funding to compensate the town for those unanticipated costs.” 

Since the 2012 storm, the Arlington delegation has sought reimbursement assistance from the Patrick Administration and submitted this amendment in each step of the budgetary process. The FY13 supplemental budget ultimately included over $300,000 to the town for the unexpected expenses from the devastating storm.  

“I am glad that the Arlington delegation was able to work together to secure these funds from the state so that the town does not suffer from having to pay for necessary clean-up and public safety efforts,” added Representative Garballey.  

"The microburst that hit Arlington caused significant damage to the town, including devastating many old, beautiful trees in East Arlington,” said Representative Rogers. “While we can never undo that damage, I am pleased that by working together with Senator Donnelly and Representative Garballey we were able to secure state funds to cover the significant costs of the storm." 

The FY13 supplemental budget was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate last week and signed by Governor Patrick.