Statement by the Press Secretary: President Obama Signs Connecticut Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Connecticut and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a snowstorm during the period of January 11-12, 2011.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the snowstorm in the counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, New London, and Tolland and the Tribal Lands of the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located entirely within New London County.

In addition, assistance is available to the State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in the counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New London, and Tolland and the Tribal Lands of the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located entirely within New London County. This assistance will be provided for a period of 72 hours for New Haven County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Albert Lewis as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.