WASHINGTON – The Connecticut Congressional delegation Monday thanked President Obama, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate for declaring an emergency for Connecticut in the wake of a fierce snow storm that hit over the weekend. Under the declaration, the entire state is eligible for assistance to protect property and public safety and lessen the damage.
The delegation has been in touch with White House representatives since yesterday to seek federal assistance. President Obama did so this afternoon.
Weather reports indicated that up to twenty inches of snow fell in parts of the state, causing trees to fall and blocking roads. The Connecticut Department of Transportation estimates that the number of downed trees affecting roads has resulted in more than five times the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene. At one point, approximately 60 percent of the state had lost electricity and power companies project complete restoration will take at least a week.
In response to the storm, Governor Malloy declared a State of Emergency. The Connecticut National Guard, Community Emergency Response Teams, the Civil Air Patrol, a Medical Reserve Corps Team and Connecticut’s Urban Search and Rescue team have been activated and thirty-seven municipalities have opened their Emergency Operations Center.