Biden OKs Ida disaster declaration

“The most important thing for government to do is take care of people in emergencies. I’m so proud today to be able to say we delivered.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes announced on Saturday that President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state due to damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, meaning federal aid will be allocated to help ongoing recovery efforts.

Ida swept through Connecticut and the rest of the Northeast in early September, leaving at least 46 people dead across five states, including a Connecticut state trooper. Heavy flooding and mass power outages ensued as the state experienced extensive damage.

According to the announcement from Himes, federal aid will be provided to state and local governments, and resources will be made available to individuals and families. This aid can come in the form of housing assistance, crisis counseling, case management services, legal services, personal property damage and transportation assistance.

Money will also be available to assist businesses that suffered either physical damage or loss of revenue due to the storm, primarily in the form of business physical disaster loans or economic injury disaster loans.

Himes called the storm “an all-hands-on-deck emergency,” adding that immediately after the storm, he started meeting with state and federal leaders to survey damage and provide assistance.

“The most important thing for government to do is take care of people in emergencies,” Himes said in Saturday’s announcement. “I’m so proud today to be able to say we delivered.”

Residents and businesses affected by the hurricane can learn more about these relief efforts and other forms of assistance at www.himes.house.gov/Ida.