Region Still Waits On Federal 'Major Disaster' Decision

SEYMOUR – The region is still waiting to hear whether the federal government will issue a major disaster declaration in connection to the Aug. 18 rainstorm that produced flash floods in Monroe, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury and Seymour.

The declaration, if it happens, could result in the release of federal funding to reimburse eligible homeowners, businesses, and state/local government for some rebuilding and repair costs. That aid could potentially help uninsured private property owners, too.

An issue locally is that many properties did not have flood insurance, because no one thought the Little River” was capable of causing so much damage.

Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis updated the public using her Facebook page on Thursday (Sept. 5).

Here’s your quick FEMA update,” she said. It’s been a week since FEMA, SBA, and DEMS were in Seymour, and we’re now waiting for their reports. We want them to hurry up, but we also want them to capture everything so we can determine our next steps. Once the report is done, it will be determined if everyone affected by the flooding is eligible for funding.”

FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency. SBA is the Small Business Administration. DEMS is the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The process includes detailing damage. Property owners can self report by clicking this link.

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy toured the area on Thursday. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro is scheduled to tour the area today (Friday, Sept. 6). DeLauro is going to check out damage to Metro-North railroad tracks and Route 313, according to a press advisory.

Gov. Ned Lamont’s office announced on Thursday that Connecticut would be receiving $3 million that will go toward the state Department of Transportation’s effort to repair state roads damaged from the floods.

Blumenthal released a statement welcoming the money, but said the federal government needs to do more.

This $3 million from the Federal Highway Administration for immediate repair projects is a great start – but only a start. I will continue to fight for the significant federal funding that will be needed for rebuilding better after catastrophic flooding destroyed homes, businesses, roads, and bridges,” he said. I have visited towns that have suffered tens of millions of dollars in damage. I will continue fighting for a major disaster declaration that will unlock funds for homeowners and businesses to recover, as well as more for the towns. This funding is hopefully a down payment on what Connecticut needs and deserves.”

Drugonis said Chris Edwards, the town’s emergency management director, spoke with the state DOT this week. The agency said it will remove a debris pile at the corner of Route 67 and Beecher Street, along with other locations, in the coming weeks.

The priority is to get the bridges and the roads fixed, then the cleanup,” Drugonis wrote.

There are also microgrants” available from the state for flood-damaged small businesses. Click this link for more info and to apply.

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