WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (CT-ID), and Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Chris Murphy (CT-5) and Jim Himes (CT-4) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request for a 30-day extension to collect damage reports from the storms that hit Fairfield County last month. This decision comes days after the delegation wrote to FEMA urging them to extend the deadline.
Last week, the Delegation urged FEMA to grant the extension writing, "Since the process can take considerable time, especially when determining structural damages, we strongly support the Governor’s request for an extension to August 23, 2010 to file a major disaster declaration request. This additional time will ensure all damage is thoroughly reviewed and appropriately prepared for FEMA’s evaluation."
Below is the full text of the letter the delegation sent to FEMA.
Dear Administrator Fugate,
We write in support of Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell’s request for a 30-day extension to file a major disaster declaration request for the June 24 tornado and thunderstorms.
As you know, several months ago Connecticut was severely battered by severe storms and flooding, which resulted in the President declaring a major disaster. While the state is still trying to recover from these storms, further severe weather including a tornado hit southwestern Connecticut on June 24, 2010. And most recently, the National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in four Connecticut towns earlier this week.
The state has been working with the affected Fairfield County municipalities, particularly the cities of Bridgeport and Stratford, to compile data on the June 24th damages. The joint FEMA State Preliminary Damage Assessment teams are expected to complete their field inspections and evaluating results this week. Since the process can take considerable time, especially when determining structural damages, we strongly support the Governor’s request for an extension to August 23, 2010 to file a major disaster declaration request. This additional time will ensure all damage is thoroughly reviewed and appropriately prepared for FEMA’s evaluation.
We appreciate your consideration and timely attention to this request on behalf of the people of Connecticut.
Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD
JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN
ROSA L. DELAURO
JOHN B. LARSON
JOE COURTNEY
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY
JIM HIMES