DeLauro Statement on the First Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. Yesterday, DeLauro and Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy announced the state is receiving an additional $65 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for recovery efforts. HUD had previously announced Connecticut would receive $71.2 million to help residents, businesses and communities recover from the storm. The funding is part of the $16 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program included in the Sandy Disaster Relief bill Congress passed in January.

"Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic tropical storm ever, and one of the most severe storms to hit Connecticut in our state's history. The catastrophic coastal flooding and damaging winds surpassed the levels of the Hurricane of 1938. All across our region, lives were upended, homes and businesses were destroyed, and the shoreline was completely reshaped.

"Congress provided billions for Sandy recovery and affected Connecticut residents have received over $45.4 million in federal disaster grants and loans. Assistance centers are now open for homeowners seeking to access grants under the Housing Department's Owner Occupied Rehabilitation and Rebuilding Program. Yesterday I was pleased to join Governor Malloy to announce that Connecticut is receiving $65 million for infrastructure and long-term resilience projects.

"There is still a lot of work to do and resources are still needed, as homes, businesses and critical infrastructure projects require funding to repair and rebuild. I will continue to fight to ensure that Connecticut gets the Federal support we need.

"Congress has a responsibility to act on behalf of the American people. And our commitment to public safety, disaster relief, and to all of the families affected by Sandy must not waver. The rebuilding process has gone on for the past year and will continue for some time. But today is a day to remember the people who passed away, families who lost their homes and towns that are still struggling with the effects of this historic storm. They are in our thoughts and prayers, today and every day."