Flood recovery center opens in Monroe

MONROE, Conn. (WTNH) — A new recovery center in Monroe hopes to help people impacted by August’s devastating flooding.

The center, located inside the Monroe Police Department’s building, is for people and business owners who were affected.

“These centers are open so that individuals who suffered damage to their homes can qualify for $42,500 in aid to address structural damage,” U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said.

While the state is also offering $25,000 grants, Gov. Ned Lamont applauded the federal government for the larger bridge to recovery.

“They were here within weeks accessing the damage, making sure Connecticut almost immediately got that disaster declaration,” he said. “That puts us at the front of the line.”

FEMA has received more than 1,000 registrations and offered up to $3 million in assistance. Currently, 14 inspectors are making appointments with businesses and homeowners to see what’s needed.

Sip and Scoop in Monroe opened three weeks before the storm hit.

“The rain started pouring and the roof started leaking from the stairs, and the basement had a little bit of water,” Max Ahmad, the company’s manager, said.

Businesses like his can access three types of loans –business physical disaster loans, economic injury disaster loans and home disaster loans.

Brenda Bergeron, the deputy commissioner of emergency services and Homeland Security, said to be sure that whoever shows up at your door is someone you’ve made an appointment with, and that they don’t ask for money.

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