Disaster Area Declared for Connecticut

State Now Eligible For More Federal Funding To Help With Snow
Storm Recovery

WASHINGTON - The Connecticut delegation Thursday expressed gratitude to President Obama, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, and FEMA Administrator Fugate for declaring a disaster for Connecticut as a result of last month's fierce snow storm and the damage and power outages that resulted.

Under the declaration, seven counties are designated for assistance which will help state and local governments to repair wreckage caused by the storm.

Additionally, the whole state will now be eligible to apply for separate grants for hazard mitigation to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from hazards.

The delegation has been working since the storm struck to help the state get federal assistance. Earlier this month, the President issued an emergency declaration for the whole state. The delegation has also been working to ensure there are adequate funds available for federal recovery and response efforts.

Weather reports indicate that the storm dropped up to twenty inches of snow in some parts of the State and that wind gusts as high as 38 mph added to the ferocity of the storm. The snow stuck to all objects, especially trees, which had not yet lost their leaves, and power lines. The Connecticut Department of Transportation and municipalities report that over 300 state roads and hundreds of town roads were either closed or blocked. At the highpoint, over 880,000 customers were without electrical power and power remained out in some areas for over a week.

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