Connecticut businesses and residents have received $28 million in federal disaster aid through Jan. 7, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said yesterday, criticizing delays by the U.S. House of Representatives in passing a more comprehensive storm relief package.
Of the $28 million in federal aid delivered to Connecticut after Hurricane Sandy, $9.9 million has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for housing assistance and $683,000 has been approved to cover other essential needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $17.7 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.
However, Malloy said that more should have been done by now.
“It’s clear that our state continues to feel a profound impact from the damage inflicted by (Hurricane) Sandy,” Malloy said in a Jan. 7 statement. “House Republican leadership missed a real opportunity to accelerate recovery and mitigate future storm damage when the 112th Congress adjourned without considering the Senate-passed bill.”
Malloy said residents in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties and businesses statewide seeking federal disaster assistance must register with FEMA before Jan. 28. Those looking to register are asked to call 1-800-621-3362 0r visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
