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HARTFORD, Conn. More federal assistance could be on the way for cities and towns that received heavy damage during the historic October Nor'easter. Estimates put the price tag at $27 million.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has requested a major disaster declaration from President Barack Obama in response to the pre-Halloween storm. If granted, it would bring additional federal financial relief to cities and towns in seven of the state's eight counties, including Fairfield County.
Malloy's request was sent after the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection confirmed that estimated expenses met FEMA-established thresholds across Connecticut, except in New London County.
"This aid would provide additional help to municipalities, state agencies and certain eligible non-profit organizations that were severely impacted by the October snowstorm," said Malloy. "I am hopeful President Obama will act quickly on my request."
Obama approved Malloy's request for an emergency declaration for all eight counties in Connecticut. That action provided direct federal assistance in the form of commodities and technical assistance from FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers.
At the governor's request, the emergency declaration was amended on Nov. 3 to provide federal financial assistance for up to 72 hours of debris removal and emergency protective measures for all eight Connecticut counties.
Malloy is also encouraging residents to report any losses or damage attributable to power outages from the October Nor'easter as quickly as possible.
"I expect to make an announcement within two weeks regarding who will be tasked with a fair and timely distribution of funds from CL&P, and I am urging Connecticut residents who experienced any losses attributable to the power outages to contact 211," Malloy said.
"I am also suggesting people save any receipts for expenses. As we move forward, the information collected by 211 will help us determine how reimbursements will be made," he said.
Malloy added that "Connecticut residents have been through an unprecedented several months, and we are now thankfully in the final stages of recovery for people who were without power for a prolonged period of time."
It is recommended by officials that damage information be submitted by calling 211. But residents can also visit www.211ct.org and enter basic demographic and damage information through an online form.
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