Gov. Ned Lamont at a press conference in Oxford on Aug. 19.
HARTFORD — Gov. Ned Lamont’s office announced Friday (Sept. 20) that President Joe Biden approved Connecticut’s request to issue a “major disaster declaration” for the towns that suffered damage during the Aug. 18 rainstorm and flooding that claimed the lives of three people.
The declaration makes it possible for property owners in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties to apply for assistance such as grants for temporary housing and home repairs, along with low-cost loans to cover uninsured losses.
“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,” Gov. Lamont said in a prepared statement.
Property owners can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800 – 621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA app.
Officials will also be opening “disaster recovery and business recovery centers” that will provide in-person support to help people apply for assistance. The locations and hours will be announced at a later date.
“Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service,” according to the statement.
The governor sent Biden a letter earlier this month formally asking for the declaration. In the letter, Lamont provided comprehensive stats on local damage.
In addition to killing three people, including two women in Oxford, the Aug. 18 floods destroyed 13 houses in New Haven County and six houses in Fairfield County.
Another 170 houses suffered major damage, with an additional 133 houses deemed“inaccessible.”
About 90 percent of the damage happened in areas that were not designated as flood zones — so many homes and business owners do not have flood insurance.
The floods caused an estimated $13 million in damages to Metro-North’s Waterbury train line, and there’s no telling when the trains will run again.
Some roads are still closed, including Route 34 in Oxford, a state road traveled by 10,500 vehicles a day, that won’t be open again until Halloween.
In Seymour, 14 of the 16 stores in the Klarides Village shopping center were badly damaged by flood waters. Twenty six houses were damaged in town.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our federal delegation — Sen. Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Gov. Lamont, and their staffs — as well as Sen. Murphy for their ongoing communication and efforts in securing FEMA funding,” Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis said. “This is a vital first step for many residents and businesses in our community. Their support is truly appreciated.”
Click here for every story The Valley Indy published on the flood and the recovery effort.
