Delegation Applauds Inclusion of $2.6 Billion for Disaster Relief in Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON – Members of Connecticut's congressional delegation applauded the decision by Congressional Appropriators to include more than $2.6 billion in disaster relief funding in the appropriations bill being considered by Congress this week.
The funding, which will allow continued Economic Development Agency (EDA) disaster assistance, Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief funding, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Department of Agriculture disaster relief, was included in a conference report for an Appropriations bill that provides fiscal year 2012 funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. Last Wednesday, November 9th the delegation sent a letter to Senate and House Appropriations Committee heads urging them to maintain disaster funding included in several bills passed by the Senate.
"Sometimes, when disaster strikes, state and local governments lack the resources to help their citizens recover quickly and return to normal," Senator Lieberman said. "That was the case in Connecticut twice in the last three months – after Hurricane Irene at the end of August and after the freak winter storm at the end of October. At times like those, the federal government has an obligation to assist overwhelmed states. House and Senate appropriators understand that and have wisely proposed more than $2 billion in disaster relief funds for the next fiscal year, which Connecticut may be eligible for."
"I applaud the Congressional leadership for stepping up to the plate and putting politics aside when disaster strikes," said Senator Blumenthal, "These funds will help Connecticut communities repair their roadways, small businesses get back on their feet, and individuals recover from the financial toll of October's unprecedented storm."
The federal assistance in the conference report includes:
- $200 Million in disaster assistance through the Economic Development Agency.
- $1.66 Billion in emergency relief through the Federal Highway Administration.
- $400 Million in Community Development Block Grant funding.
- $367 Million in disaster relief through the Department of Agriculture.
"This funding will go a long way in ensuring that municipalities, individual property owners and businesses who sustained damage during last month's freak October snowstorm will have an opportunity to recoup some of their losses," Congressman Larson said. "I am very pleased that Congressional leadership has recognized the necessity of including disaster funding into the minibus bill."
"Disaster Relief funding is critical for towns, small businesses and families across eastern Connecticut that are still working to recover from a one-two punch of devastating storms," said Congressman Courtney. "This funding will make an immediate positive impact in places that need it the most."
"I am very pleased that the majority of the disaster relief funds requested were included in this conference report," Congresswoman DeLauro said. "Communities across the nation have been devastated by natural disasters this year, and Connecticut has been particularly hard-hit by historic storms in recent months. Our citizens are in need of federal help, and these funds will be critical in ensuring that our residents and businesses can recover and rebuild."
"The hurricane, early snow storm, and power outages residents across Connecticut have suffered over the last few months remind us that anyone can be the victim of a disaster," Himes said. "This funding is absolutely critical as thousands of our neighbors put their lives, homes, and businesses back together."
"Times are tough right now for people in Connecticut," said Congressman Murphy. "Adding to an already down economy, we've had two major storms, massive flooding and power outages that have crippled our state and caused so much damage to our homes, our businesses and our lives. This funding will help people in Connecticut, and I'll fight to ensure it gets through Congress to the people who need it."