Help coming to Southbury businesses damaged in floods

SOUTHBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — State leaders are stepping up to help small businesses that were impacted by the recent flash flooding.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) met with Southbury town leaders and small business owners on Monday. He said he’s fighting to apply for a federal major disaster declaration.

“A major disaster declaration could mean hundreds of millions of dollars,” Blumenthal said. “I’ve heard from [Southbury] town officials that at least $100 million in damage was done to municipal property alone.”

State leaders were also in Seymour, where they toured several small businesses.

Officials announced a $5 million grant program, which provides up to $25,000 per affected business.

Gov. Ned Lamont said it is a quick fix while waiting for more federal funding.

“You see the scope of the tragedy, know it’s really important for all of us to step up, and do the right thing, and air on the side of generosity,” Lamont said. “That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to move really quickly.”

Businesses can use the funding for everything from clean-up to lost revenue to lost inventory.

Cathy Dibner, who owns Cathy’s House of Chickens in Southbury, said she needs help.

“What is it, day eight [since the storm]?” she said. “We have no clue how we’re going to clean this mess up.”

Dibner said she poured a decade’s worth of work into her small chicken business, but last week’s flooding washed away her 11-acre property, including her barn with more than 100 chickens inside.

“I have no place to run my business,” Dibner said. “I have no place for any of these chicks to go.”

Dibner said help can’t come soon enough.

“Who is responsible for cleaning this up?” she said. “We have so much sand, beach sand from the [Larkin State Bridal Trail], and it’s covering everything.”

State leaders said FEMA and the Small Business Administration is scheduled to tour the region beginning Wednesday, and officials should be completing their assessment by the end of the week to then send to President Joe Biden.

Leaders are asking businesses and homeowners to make sure they report your damage by contacting your local emergency management office.

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