On Aug. 19, CT LEG declared state of emergency due to flooding.
CT LEG declared state of emergency in response to heavy flooding due to the historically severe rainfall that has caused extensive structural damage to roadways.
Flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues and more than two dozen road closures.
State of Emergency
Connecticut Emergency Operations Center has been in enhanced monitoring mode since Aug. 18, and will remain active throughout the duration of this weather event.
Declared emergency can help prioritize potential federal resources, such as equipment, work crews, that can assist State and local crews with repairing infrastructure damage.
Aug. 2024 White House Emergency Declaration
On Aug. 21, 2024, White House, CT LEG, FEMA reported approval of CT emergency declaration due to severe storms, flooding, landslides, mudslides beginning on Aug. 18
Declaration means that State agencies can coordinate with FEMA on the deployment of federal personnel and equipment to augment state emergency recovery efforts.
Includes actions to protect lives, property, restorative efforts that defend public safety.
President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency.
Additionally, the declaration authorized FEMA to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures to save lives and to lessen/avert threat of catastrophe.
Sep. 2024 CT LEG Relief Funds
On Sep. 5, 2024, CT LEG reported $3mn federal fund availability for CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT) for recovery efforts following the Aug. rain and flooding event.
Will assist CTDOT in road repairs that have been underway since storm's initial impact.
FHWA’s program complements infrastructure law programs and provisions by encouraging agencies to identify/implement measures to mitigating changes in repairs.
In Sep. 2024, US IRS provided tax relief to victims of storms, floods, see #225606.
Sep. 20, 2024 CT LEG Disaster Approval
On Sep. 20, 2024, CT LEG Governor Lamont reported that the White House had approved his request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Aug. 18 flooding in CT.
Approval makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs.
Additionally, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Also authorized funding for hazard mitigation measures to be implemented statewide.
FEMA also reported on Sep. 20, 2024, that federal disaster assistance would be made available to CT to supplement recovery efforts in areas impacted by flooding.
Sep. 23, 2024 SBA Disaster Assistance
On Sep. 23, 2024, SBA made loans available in primary counties of Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven, for both physical damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).
EIDLs only are available to small businesses and nonprofits in Hartford, Middlesex in CT; Berkshire and Hampden in MA; and Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester in NY.
Businesses and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2mn to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, other assets.
Disaster loans up to $500k available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, and $100k to repair or replace personal property.
Deadline for physical damage applications is Nov. 19, 2024; for EIDLs Jun. 20, 2025.
