Malloy Requests Federal Assistance For Sept. 25 Major Floods

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Dannel Malloy has submitted a request to FEMA for a major disaster declaration related to the severe rainstorms and flooding on Sept. 25 and 26. The storm dumped up to 8.5 inches of rain in an 18-hour period with rates reaching up to three inches per hour.

The Yantic River in Norwich reached a stage of 12.53 feet, which is above the major flood index of 11 feet and was the sixth highest stage recorded since 1932.

The request for assistance was made for Middlesex and New London Counties along with statewide relief through Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Towns experienced more than $6.3 million in damage from the storms mainly to roads, bridges and culverts.

State agencies are still tabulating their costs, but it is estimated they will be more than $250,000.

“The heavy rain our state experienced came with little warning and hit fast, causing severe damage to roads and bridges throughout areas of Connecticut, and that is why we are asking the federal government to declare a disaster declaration that would help these towns recover,” Malloy said. “If granted, this declaration would provide much needed assistance to those communities.”

Towns and state agencies would receive 75 percent reimbursement for damage repairs if the request is approved.

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