Oct 18, 2005 2:44 pm US/Eastern
If The Taunton Dam Breaks, What's Next?
by Jon Keller
TAUNTON (CBS4) ―
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Taunton's Whittenton Pond Dam is slowly deteriorating and in danger of breaching
CBS4
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Governor Romney meets with Taunton Mayor Robert Nunes Tuesday morning
CBS4
Should the Whittenton Pond Dam in Taunton fail, flooding the city, what can residents and businesses in the affected area expect from government?
According to state Emergency Management officials, if the dam should break, there would likely be an immediate request by Governor Romney to the President for an emergency declaration. That procedural move opens the door for aid from federal and state agencies.
Romney might ask for a major disaster declaration, as he did in the spring of 2004 and 2001 due to severe storms and flooding.
The Red Cross is already on the scene in Taunton helping evacuees. If the problem escalates, state officials would work with the Red Cross to help the displaced find temporary housing.
And the state emergency management agency would activate its 800 number as a resource for people who need immediate physical help or advice on how to seek financial aid.
In the wake of the flooding problems that occurred statewide in April 2004, many businesses failed to receive financial help they were eligible for because they didn't complete the required small business administration applications.
Those forms are the key to accessing many forms of state and federal assistance. You can find more information about what the SBA offers at
sba.gov.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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