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Tornado Victims To Receive $657K From Feds For Debris Removal

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) -- Western Massachusetts residents are getting federal help removing trees and other debris left by the tornadoes that struck last month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service has approved up to $657,000 in federal funds for debris removal.

The money is being provided to the city of Springfield and the town of Monson through the Emergency Watershed Protection program, which is administered by the conservation service.

Springfield and Monson officials requested the assistance. They said they were concerned uprooted trees and other debris caused by the tornadoes could block culverts during heavy rains, flooding streets and threatening public safety and nearby homes and businesses.

The program will cover 75 percent of the cost of debris removal. The tornadoes hit the area last month, killing three.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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