Individuals To Get Post-Storm Help After All

Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the severe March storms that cracked roofs and flooded basements will be allowed to apply for federal aid now that President Obama has reversed an earlier decision denying individual assistance. Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced the turnaround Friday night, less than 24 hours after the state's appeal had been filed, according to a press release from the governor's office.

"The information we provided just a day ago to the federal government demonstrated conclusively that Connecticut's residents and employers suffered major, unreimbursed losses from these storms. They need help—and now they are getting it," Rell said in the enthusiastic statement.

Rell had made an additional call for damage reports to support the appeal soon after the initial denial in April. The new data from individuals in Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven and Windham counties tallied 2,498 damaged homes—nearly three times the original 1,315 figure—with estimates across the state now totalling $16.5 million. The governor's office is reporting that only seven percent of residents providing the data said they were fully insured for the damage. Those residents may now get help.

As Darienites are acutely aware, heavy rains and 60 mph winds caused sometimes severe damage in mid-March, closing dozens of roads, bringing down power lines, and toppling trees at over 150 locations. The town's beloved Christmas tree had to be removed as a result of the storm.

Obama had previously issued a "major disaster" declaration releasing aid to state and municipal governments in Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties.