Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins today sent a letter to President Bush in support of disaster aid for areas of the state hit by major storms between July 18 and Aug. 16.

The letters support the request made by Maine Gov. John Baldacci for the president to issue a major disaster declaration, making public assistance available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Cumberland, York and Androscoggin counties, as well as some other money that would be available statewide.

The three counties experienced almost $3 million in damage during the period of heavy rain, according to Cumberland County Emergency Management.

"I have alerted the FEMA Administrator to ensure that a disaster declaration can be made swiftly and federal disaster resources will be provided for the removal of debris, grants to local residents, and resources to repair the damaged roads and restore the quality of life for affected communities," Snowe said in her letter.

Freeport and Lebanon alone endured more than $600,000 in damage in washed-out roads.