Relief for May 15 tornadoes approved

Towns and cities affected by downed trees and other damage from the surprise May 15 tornadoes that struck northern sections of Fairfield and New Haven counties will be able to receive financial assistance, following the approval of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s request to have the region declared a federal disaster area.

President Donald Trump made the announcement Monday from the White House.

Some non-profit agencies will be allowed to access aid, along with cities, towns and the state. The funding will come as 75 percent reimbursements for the costs of the storm cleanup, which was estimated at nearly $13 million.

While the request for assistance to individual property owners remains under review, municipalities and state agencies will be eligible for the federal aid.

“This declaration will provide much needed financial assistance to our municipalities and the state,” Malloy said in a statement. “These storms had a devastating impact, causing significant damage that is still being cleaned up and repaired months later. I thank the federal government for continuing to be a partner in these efforts.”

Malloy said that all of Connecticut’s eight counties, as well as the tribal nations, may also apply for aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help reduce or prevent risks to property and life from nat- ural hazards.

Rudy Marconi, first selectman, of Ridgefield, said Monday that he expects to get about $112,000 to cover some of the costs of the cleanup, including downed trees and debris. Brookfield will be eligible for about $2.8 million. Other towns that were severely hit in- clude Newtown, New Fairfield and Brookfield. Towns and cities will also be eligible for the costs of first responders, including emergency personal and public works.

The total amount of available aid is open-ended, state public-safety officials said.