Lamont requests formal disaster declaration for flood ravaged areas

Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - Governor Lamont has submitted a request to President Biden for a formal disaster declaration following the historic flooding in Southwestern Connecticut last month.

FEMA and the Small Business Administration toured areas devestated by the August 18th flood, which battered Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties.

Lamont has specifically requested approval for the three counties under the Individual Assistance Program.

That would reimburse homeowners and businesses for the costs incurrred from damage to uninsured private property.

In addition, the Public Assistance Program would reimburse state and local governments for some of the costs for bridge and road repairs.

There are still several streets in the region that are closed due to flood damage.

A preliminary FEMA assessment found 19 homes destroyed with 170 suffering major damage, 133 inaccessible, and over 600 with minor damage.

Seventy-seven business sustained major damage, according to the SBA.