The disaster declaration declared over the weekend apparently doesn’t include individual homeowners. Governor Rell is not pleased. From The Hour:

“Inspectors from (FEMA) counted more than $31 million in private losses from the storm,” Rell said. “What these homeowners need right now is assistance in putting things right again in their own homes.”

Norwalk Mayor Richard A. Moccia said the storm cost the city “several hundred thousand dollars.”

“We’ll put our numbers together and apply to get some aid,” Moccia said. “But I’d like to see homeowners eligible to apply for some loans and hopefully get some assistance.”

So would Rell, who directed the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to appeal Bush’s decision not to qualify individuals for relief.

Flooding has become a sensitive issue in Norwalk, with residents reciting horror stories at council and committee meetings over the last year.

The city has applied for federal funds to improve drainage in oft-flooded neighborhoods like Buckingham Place, Lockwood Lane and Olmstead Place. Residents on those streets say flooding has worsened in recent years as Norwalk has become more developed.

Rell said the state must take steps to prevent heavy rains from causing similar damage in the future. Norwalk has budgeted roughly $2 million in its 2007-2008 capital and operating budgets for storm-water management upgrades.

source: The Hour, Declaration no help for $31M in private loss, By PATRICK R. LINSEY, May 14, 2007