Patrick announces new Mass. tornado recovery aid

BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick is announcing that new funding is available to assist recovery and cleanup efforts in 10 towns in western and central Massachusetts which were hit by tornadoes last year.

The Democratic governor announced the $4 million fund on Friday while marking the one-year anniversary of the rare Massachusetts tornadoes.

The money will help with debris removal, assist local fire departments and restore trees in Agawam, Monson, Springfield and Sturbridge and elsewhere in the region. The funding also includes $154,000 for cleanup efforts in Brimfield State Forest.

Last June, four tornadoes touched down, destroying or damaging 1,400 houses and 78 businesses in western and central Massachusetts. Three people died as a result of the storm.