Connecticut Delegation Celebrates Additional Funding For Sandy Recovery

Money May Be Used To Repair Homes, Businesses DamagedIn Storm and Upgrade, Repair Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC—Connecticut's congressional delegationreleased the following statement today applauding the announcement Connecticutwill be receiving $71.8 million that may be used to repair homes and businessesdamaged by Hurricane Sandy, and to upgrade and repair critical infrastructure.The funding, provided by the Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) program,is part of the $16 billion included in the Sandy Disaster Relief bill Congresspassed last month. In the weeks ahead, the State of Connecticut will submit aplan for spending the funding.

"This money is critical to Connecticut's recovery fromHurricane Sandy. From repairing and improving infrastructure to addressingcoastal flood plain issues and helping homeowners and businesses rebuild, theState has a long list of targets that this funding may address. We are pleasedSecretary Donovan moved so quickly after we asked him to and we will continue tofight to ensure that Connecticut residents see every last dollar to which theyare entitled."

Yesterday the delegation joined together to write toDepartment of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan (letterattached) urging him to ensure Connecticut received sufficient funding when theCDGB amounts were announced.

"It is imperative that Connecticut be included in CDGBfunding allocations as this was not the case when our state was severelyimpacted last year with Tropical Storm Irene and a heavy snowfall in October,"they wrote. "More people in Connecticut have registered for FEMA assistancethan in either of the previous storms, and we cannot afford to be left outagain."