Residents Urged to Report Damage

Residents and business owners should continue to report property damage from the March storms to the state hotline. The information will be used to appeal the decision of the federal government rejecting Connecticut’s request for financial assistance to individuals and businesses. Since April 29, over 1,700 property owners have reported damage from the extreme weather that hit the area over two weekends in March.

“Part of our appeal must include damage data in addition to what has already been collected,” said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Residents and business owners in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham Counties are urged to call 2-1-1, the state’s free Infoline, or go on-line at www.211ct.org. Callers will be asked 10 to 12 questions about the extent of their property damage. The Infoline will be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14. “The information you provide can help us change the federal government’s decision,” said Gov. Rell.

Though municipalities will be receiving federal aid to offset the costs they incurred during the storms, President Obama denied Connecticut’s request for Individual Assistance. Rell has directed the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) to prepare an appeal of the federal decision. If the appeal is not successful, the Governor said she might request a disaster declaration from the Small Business Association. If the SBA grants the request, it would make available low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.