PORTLAND (AP) – The federal government has denied the state’s appeal for an emergency declaration following a late March blizzard in northern Maine that clogged roads and led to extraordinary snow-removal costs.

Sen. Olympia Snowe said she was disappointed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the appeal, which would have freed up public assistance to help with snow removal and other costs associated with the storm from March 19-22.

Snowe said Aroostook County was in need of help following the snowiest winter on record.

AP-ES-05-21-08 1731EDT