Disaster Declaration Sought In Springfield Gas Explosion

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has asked for a federal disaster declaration for the victims of the Springfield natural gas explosion.   WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports

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Credit SFD

The aftermath of the natural gas explosion on Worthington St in Springfield MA

   A preliminary assessment by state and local officials determined damage from last month’s gas explosion exceeds the criteria for a disaster declaration by the Small Business Administration.   Mayor Domenic Sarno said if the  declaration is made it would let affected individuals and businesses apply for low interest loans for uninsured losses

   The explosion, which was blamed on an error by a gas company worker, leveled one building, and damaged about 40 residential and commercial properties in a three block radius of the downtown area known as the Entertainment District.