Rell Requests FEMA Visit to Confirm Storm Damage

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today the powerful nor'easter that swept through the state last week caused more than $7 million in damage across Connecticut, which would qualify for federal relief.

The hardest hit areas were towns such as Westport and others in Fairfield County.

The governor, through Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) Commissioner Peter Boynton, has requested that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials visit Fairfield County to assess the scope of the destruction.

DEMHS told Rell on Tuesday that damage thresholds appear to have been met. $4.39 million is the minimum amount in statewide damages needed to qualify for federal assistance and $2.8 million is the minimum amount in Fairfield County damages needed to qualify for federal assistance. Costs covered by insurance will be deducted from damage estimates.

In Westport, damage has totaled $1.1 million, said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff.

"Once they visit, the process of requesting relief to cities and towns gets put into motion," Rell said in a news release. "Local budgets and family budgets are already strained, and I want no delays in getting our municipalities and our families the help they need."

DEMHS has also been collecting damage information on homes and businesses, and data is being collected to determine if businesses qualify for low interest Small Business Administration loans. Completed damage surveys are due Thursday. 

For more information on submitting damage estimates: www.ct.gov/demhs