Connecticut officials are considering whether to request a federal major disaster declaration following severe flooding in Fairfield County, a move that could unlock FEMA assistance for affected residents.
State Emergency Management Director William Turner said Monday that the state is still assessing damage and emphasized that residents should report storm-related losses to help determine whether Connecticut meets the threshold required for a federal declaration.
He cautioned that the damage threshold is high, and there are no guarantees the request would be approved.
If the state does not qualify for a major disaster declaration, officials said assistance could still be available through low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Department of Transportation said it found no permanent damage to roads or rail lines.
However, crews are evaluating areas where erosion occurred during the flooding.
The DOT is also continuing to assess damage at its Westport facility, which was inundated by floodwaters.
State officials urged residents and businesses affected by the flooding to document and report damage as recovery efforts continue.