Connecticut Disaster Declaration Approved In Wake Of Tropical Storm Isaias

Connecticut’s request for a federal major disaster declaration in response to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias has been approved, the governor said Wednesday.

Gov. Ned Lamont said he learned from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the September request to President Donald Trump has been approved for all eight counties. It includes the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes.

The approval means state and local agencies will receive federal reimbursement for 75% of all eligible costs associated with fixing public infrastructure damaged by the storm, Lamont said.

In addition, the state will get long-term financial help when it acts to reduce risks to life and property during future natural disasters, the governor said.

“This declaration will provide much-needed financial assistance to our state and its municipalities in covering the costs associated with emergency protective measures and repairing damage to public infrastructure that was caused by this devastating storm,” Lamont said. “I thank the federal government for their partnership in these efforts.”

Tropical Storm Isaias struck Connecticut on Aug. 4. Its damaging wind caused more than 750,000 power outages statewide, some lasting up to a week, as well as hundreds of blocked roads, hundreds of broken utility poles and damaged transformers.

At least two people died in storm-related incidents, and five were seriously injured, the governor said.

Christine Dempsey can be reached at cdempsey@courant.com.

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