Connecticut Congressional Delegation Urges White House to Issue Declaration of Emergency Following T.S. Isaias

(HARTFORD, CT) – Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) along with U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jim Himes (CT-4), and Jahana Hayes (CT-5), today sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of the request of Governor Ned Lamont to issue a declaration of emergency under the Stafford Act for all Connecticut counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations.

“Connecticut cities and towns are clearing roads made impassable by falling trees and power lines. Their transfer stations and landfills will be inundated with debris from their residents. As a result, there will be substantial costs to recover from the impact of Tropical Storm Isaias,” wrote the members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation.

A copy of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of the request of Governor Ned Lamont to issue a declaration of emergency under the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. sections 5121-5207; 44 C.F.R. section 206.35) for all Connecticut counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations.

On August 4, 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias tore through our state, leaving nearly a quarter of our state’s population without power. Cell and internet service have been interrupted and many critical health institutions and public utilities are operating on generators. Our two utilities are projecting it may take a week or more for full restoration.

Connecticut cities and towns are clearing roads made impassable by falling trees and power lines. Their transfer stations and landfills will be inundated with debris from their residents. As a result, there will be substantial costs to recover from the impact of Tropical Storm Isaias.

Therefore, we support Governor Lamont’s request for direct federal assistance to aid in the emergency procurement of resources and activation of Categories A and B Debris Removal and Emergency Protective Measures under the FEMA Public Assistance Program.

Sincerely,

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