Massachusetts Seeks Federal Aid After Blizzard of ’26

There is chutzpah, and then there is chutzpah. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has chutzpah. Imagine Healey asking the Trump Administration for help.

Some say that time heals all wounds. I'm not sure about that, but time certainly helps us forget, or at least soften the memories of unpleasant experiences. Take, for example, the Blizzard of '26.

It might take my 68-year-old back a while longer to forget it.

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Record Snowfall Across SouthCoast Communities

The City of New Bedford set snowfall total records during the February 22-23 storm. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell declared a state of emergency as 37 inches of snow buried the city, slowing things to a crawl for several days.

Fall River measured 41 inches of snow. Both communities required assistance from the Massachusetts National Guard to help dig out after the storm.

WPRI-TV 12 reported the Blizzard of '26, "had the magnitude of a Category 2 hurricane."

Why Massachusetts Is Seeking Federal Aid

Now Gov. Healey, who in February declared a state of emergency, is asking none other than President Donald Trump to help pay for the storm cleanup. That's chutzpah, considering some of the things Healey has said about 45/47.

State House News Service reported Healey has asked the federal government to issue a "major disaster declaration" to "help the state and municipalities cover costs" associated with cleaning up after the storm.

Which Areas Could Receive Assistance

"The request seeks access to federal aid programs for Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties," according to SHNS, where Healey's administration said "storm-related expenses exceeded the thresholds for help" from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

NBC 10 Boston reported, "Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties may also qualify for additional snow assistance after meeting or nearing record historical one-day snowfall totals maintained by the National Climatic Data Center."

I think the Trump Administration should issue the disaster declaration, freeing up cash for the area. After all, that's what it's for. It's just fun watching Healey have to ask for it.