FARMINGTON — Response to a Lac-Megantic relief fund, started by Farmington Selectmen, has risen to nearly $16,000 as of Thursday.
Town Manager Richard Davis told the board during their meeting Tuesday that the account was at $10,600. Funds continue to come in from municipalities and citizens, he said Thursday. Officials in some towns have used discretionary funds to give as much as one thousand dollars to help their northern neighbors.
Posters are displayed around town to continue collecting for about another month, he said. The funds will be released to Farmington’s sister city in Quebec to help with their needs or for rebuilding.
The town is trying to recover from a deadly oil-train derailment on July 6 that killed nearly 50 people and destroyed at least 30 buildings.
“I hope people continue to give,” Davis said.
Donations payable to “Lac-Megantic Relief Fund” may be given to any TD Bank.
Davis reached out to other town managers, and some towns are responding. “I appreciate it very much,” he told selectmen.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Ryan Morgan said he found the people organized and in good spirits after a group from Franklin County visited with the Lac-Megantic mayor last week.
About 200 of the original 2,000 evacuated cannot return to their properties, he said. Some did not have insurance. Others insured their home and material items, but the land wasn’t insured, he said.
“I’m not sure some people can rebuild,” he said. “It will take many years before it’s all cleaned up.”
Three train cars derailed and went ten feet into the ground before they broke open and leaked, he said. The question is, “how far did that oil go?”
The city is also struggling to reopen another train line blocked by the wreckage. Businesses are being forced to ship their wares by truck, a costly venture with the price of diesel, he said.
“It’s very hard on them,” he added. “They are taking it day by day.”
Morgan expressed awe about how well the Red Cross is responding. About 80 volunteers work for about four days and then a new group comes in, he said.
Relations between Farmington and Lac-Megantic may be renewed through the process, he explained. The two became sister cities in the early 1990s.
abryant@sunjournal.com
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- Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis updated selectmen on the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund this week. Posters, like this one in the municipal office, are out to continue collections for about another month, he said.
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- Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis updated selectmen on the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund this week. Posters, like this one in the municipal office, are out to continue collections for about another month, he said.
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