Gov. Needs Residents' Help to Appeal Obama

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is looking for help from residents and business owners to appeal for federal aid to help people affected by March storms and flooding.

Rell wants residents and business owners in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties who experienced property damage from the March storms and flooding to report damage to the state’s free Infoline, 2-1-1 between now and May 12.

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama denied Rell’s request for individual assistance to Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham counties.

“We are appealing the federal government’s rejection of financial assistance for individuals and businesses severely affected by last month’s heavy downpours, high winds and flooding. We need residents and businesses to help the state make its case,” Rell said.

The Governor has asked the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to prepare an appeal of the decision, and it must include damage data, in addition to what has already been collected.

“Please do so even if you have reported your damages before. The information you provide can help us change the federal government’s decision,” she said.

Data collection begins at 6 p.m. today and continues through 6 p.m. Friday, May 14. The 2-1-1 Infoline will be fielding calls seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

You can also report damage by dialing 211.

“Residents and business owners will be asked approximately 10 to 12 questions about the extent of damage they received from the March storms,” Rell said. “This data collection process will help us in preparing our appeal.”

If the appeal is not successful, Rell might request a Small Business Administration disaster declaration for affected counties.

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