WASHINGTON, DC—Connecticut’s congressional delegation released the following statement today applauding the announcement Connecticut will be receiving $71.8 million that may be used to repair homes and businesses damaged by Hurricane Sandy, and to upgrade and repair critical infrastructure. The funding, provided by the Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) program, is part of the $16 billion included in the Sandy Disaster Relief bill Congress passed last month. In the weeks ahead, the State of Connecticut will submit a plan for spending the funding.
“This money is critical to Connecticut’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy. From repairing and improving infrastructure to addressing coastal flood plain issues and helping homeowners and businesses rebuild, the State has a long list of targets that this funding may address. We are pleased Secretary Donovan moved so quickly after we asked him to and we will continue to fight to ensure that Connecticut residents see every last dollar to which they are entitled.”
Yesterday the delegation joined together to write to Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan (letter attached) urging him to ensure Connecticut received sufficient funding when the CDGB amounts were announced.
“It is imperative that Connecticut be included in CDGB funding allocations as this was not the case when our state was severely impacted last year with Tropical Storm Irene and a heavy snowfall in October,” they wrote. “More people in Connecticut have registered for FEMA assistance than in either of the previous storms, and we cannot afford to be left out again.”