RUMFORD — Public Works Superintendent Andy Russell spent most of Wednesday working with federal officials sizing up damage to roads.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia said the Federal Emergency Management Agency was making an initial visit to offer technical assistance to Rumford.

“They are helping us measure the damage to our roads and to assess what type of funding we will need,” he said.

Public Works had discontinued work on the damaged streets Wednesday to allow FEMA access to do measurements.

“This may slow the process and be an inconvenience, but we want to make sure we get this right,” Puiia said.

All but one road was passable by Wednesday afternoon except for Swain Road, which had  severe erosion from Tropical Storm Irene. Minor work on shoulders and making roads passable with at least one lane was completed Monday during Gov. Paul LePage’s visit.

Peru town officials also had completed repairs on damaged roads except for the washout by Cummings Brook Bridge on Dickvale Road. Three houses in Peru, one house in Woodstock, and many camps on Concord Pond lack easy access because of storm damage.

Peru Selectman Tim Holland said the town would look to see if FEMA funds are available to help pay for repairs. For now Road Commissioner Joe Roach is gathering cost estimates on a culvert and supplies to fix the washout.

A meeting with Peru selectmen and the road commissioner is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at the town office. Roach will present his findings and estimated costs on the project.

“At this point I believe we are looking at at least a month before the road will be reopened,” Holland said.

Holland echoed the same concern as Puiia. “We want to make sure we get this right.”

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