WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and the Connecticut Congressional delegation today announced that Connecticut will receive $1 million in emergency relief funds immediately available to the state to repair bridges damaged by March’s floods. The funding will be delivered through the Federal Highway Administration, a division of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), and will go to repair bridges in Fairfield, New London, Windham, New Haven, and Middlesex Counties.
“March’s heavy rains caused serious destruction across our state, not only to people’s homes and businesses, but to major roads and bridges that play a key role in transporting commuters where they need to go,” said Senator Dodd. “Ensuring the structural stability of our bridges should be one of our top priorities—and this critically important funding will support vital repairs and reconstruction of bridges that were damaged or washed out as a result of the flooding.”
“The storms in late March caused considerable damage to roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure across Connecticut,” Senator Lieberman said. “I am pleased the Department of Transportation is making these funds available so that affected towns and cities can repair their infrastructures and continue moving forward. I remain hopeful that FEMA will also make funds available to individual residents who need assistance to repair and rebuild their homes.”
“The recent storms have had a significant impact on Connecticut’s infrastructure, and these funds will be critical to ensuring that our citizens can travel safely across our many bridges and highways,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “I am pleased that our state’s needs have been recognized, and will continue to work to with federal, state, and local officials to make certain our residents get the help they need as we move forward.”
Congressman Larson said, “Like all Americans, I believe that keeping our families safe is the most important role government can play. Restoring these flood-damaged roads and bridges is essential to our local transportation system and Connecticut’s economy. That’s why our delegation has come together to secure this funding for our communities and will continue to work with the Administration to ensure that Connecticut families impacted by the storm receive the help they need. I applaud Secretary LaHood for making this funding available to the state without delay.”
“Some of Connecticut’s roads and bridges were hit hard by heavy rain this spring, so we desperately need these emergency funds to make sure that they are structurally sound and people can travel safely. As the state continues to clean up from these storms, I will work with the rest of the Congressional delegation and Governor Rell to ensure that we recover,” said Congressman Murphy.
“This federal funding is an important part of our state’s continued efforts to rebuild from the March storms,” stated Congressman Courtney. “Ensuring that roads and highways are accessible and safe after the storms is a critical part of the recovery effort. Just last week I met with business owners who had to close their doors for over a week when local bridges shut down following the flooding, so I know firsthand the impact that impassable roads and bridges has had on our region. This is a step in the right direction, and I will work with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and other state officials to advocate for additional and urgently needed resources for our state and eastern Connecticut.”
“Dangerous conditions on bridges or, worse yet, a collapse could lead to accidents and loss of lives,” said Congressman Himes. “Flooding is a persistent problem in our area, and this assistance is essential to protecting local travelers and helping us get back on our feet after the storm.”
According to USDOT, emergency relief funds can be used for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause.