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It took some work, but the federal aid for damages from March's storms is rolling in. Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Thursday in a statement that more than $14.3 million in assistance has come into the state to help towns and individuals.
"People continue to put their lives and livelihoods back together after the devastating high winds and rain this past spring," Rell said in a statement. "These loans and grants have been critical in helping them move forward."
Rell petitioned the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funding after two weekend storms in March caused millions of dollars in property damage to coastal towns. The federal government initially approved aid just to municipalities in Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties. But Rell appealed the decision, and in May, President Obama overturned the decision, allowing residents and businesses to file for assistance as well.
Since then, according to the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, FEMA has awarded the state more than $14.3 million in aid. Of that, $5.1 million has gone to help 2,530 homeowners. And the state's small businesses have received more than $6 million in loans. The deadline to apply for aid has passed, but more assistance could still come for those who reported damage.
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