Biden Declaration Makes Grants, Loans Available to Connecticut Flood Victims

Ensuring that federal funding will be made available to help with the state’s recovery from severe flooding in August, President Joe Biden on Friday approved a major disaster declaration in Connecticut.

The declaration will make assistance like grants and low-cost loans available to impacted residents in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties, where heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides during a severe storm on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19.

In a press release, Gov. Ned Lamont said the declaration would benefit residents affected by the storm.

“This historic weather event caused significant damage to homes and businesses in western Connecticut, and the approval of this major disaster declaration means that individuals will be able to access federal funding to support their recovery efforts, particularly when it comes to the rebuilding of uninsured infrastructure,” Lamont said.

Residents whose homes or businesses were damaged or lost during the weather event can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA app.

The disaster declaration follows roughly $3 million in emergency funding provided by the Biden-Harris administration earlier this month to assist Connecticut with road repair work in the aftermath of the historic flooding, which washed out roads and bridges throughout the impacted region.

The unusually heavy rainfall had severe consequences when it struck the state last month. Three residents were killed in the resulting flooding. Meanwhile, the water destroyed 19 homes and caused major damage to 170 more. At least 77 businesses sustained major damage, according to the governor’s office.

As of Friday, the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security was collaborating with federal agencies to identify locations to open disaster and business recovery centers in order to provide in-person support for residents looking to apply for assistance.

Posted By Hugh McQuaid