Federal funds possible after the worst flooding in the last 20 years

SHARON — The town’s road crew remains busy this week after last week’s rains, repairing damaged asphalt and attending to areas too soggy to patch up last week, said First Selectman Malcolm Brown Tuesday morning.

Figures from Highway Foreman Charlie Godfrey indicate that some 119.5 tons of .75-inch, 2- to 3-inch and rip-rap rocks had to be brought in between Monday, April 16, and Friday, April 20, at a cost of about $7,100 for the materials.

A fax appeared in the selectmen’s office from the governor’s office late Tuesday afternoon, alerting public officials in towns and cities to the possible availability of federal funds after a preliminary damage assessment.

"I am committed to making sure that our citizens as well as our cities and towns are afforded every opportunity to financially recover from this week’s devastation," Gov. M. Jodi Rell wrote. "We have been told by officials and many longtime residents that the storm caused the worst flooding in many parts of the state in 20 years."

If the president declares Connecticut a disaster area, federal assistance could take the form of either grants or low-interest loans; municipalities could receive federal reimbursements of up to 75 percent of their eligible costs for storm response and repair of damaged infrastructure. 

Homeowners and renters could be eligible for grants and low interest loans for repair or replacement of damaged property, while businesses could be eligible for low-interest loans.

Brown said two individuals had called about submitting information for possible federal disaster relief funds by Wednesday’s deadline.

He added that other residents and businesses had sustained some water difficulties, in the form of flooded basements and wet carpets, but those persons reported they had their situations in hand.