MINOT – Town officials cheered word Tuesday night that help is on the way to offset the mounting costs of road repairs brought on by sudden severe storms last month.

Gov. John Baldacci’s office announced Tuesday that President Bush signed a disaster declaration for Androscoggin, Cumberland and York counties for severe storms and flooding that ravaged communities this past summer. Of the estimated $2.9 million requested in federal assistance, Androscoggin County will receive roughly $1.65 million.

David Farmer, a spokesman for the governor’s office, said that $77,000 will go specifically to Minot for repairs within the town and the remainder to the Maine Department of Transportation for road repairs.

“I think it’s a good thing,” said Minot Selectman Danny Gilpatric. “Our road crew has been working a lot of hours trying to get driveways, culverts and roadways back together.”

Heavy downpours triggered flash floods that washed away large portions of routes 119 and 124 in mid-August, including a Route 119 bridge over Bog Brook. The thunderstorms took the greatest toll on Minot, where the National Weather Service in Gray reported 5 inches of rain in less than two hours.

Baldacci sought the declaration late last month to provide federal support to repair damaged public infrastructure in the three counties. Farmer said that receiving the disaster declaration enables the state and affected local governments to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 75 percent of the cost of repairing roads and other public property. The remaining 25 percent is split between localities and the state.

“Maine suffered significant damage, caused by fast moving storms and flash floods,” Baldacci said in a statement annoucing the funding. “Many communities have faced significant hardships as they have worked to make repairs. The federal assistance granted today will help them rebuild.”

Farmer said the $2.9 million price tag to repair Maine roads could increase since that was based on initial estimates submitted with the letter requesting assistance. He added that receiving such designation is based on the amount of damage done and the nature of that damage.