Mayor Moccia has successfully convinced FEMA to consider applications for individual homeowners. From a press release:

“I am pleased to inform the residents of Norwalk that Richard L. Fournier, Region 1 Coordinator of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security has advised me that individual assistance for homeowners who suffered losses due to the April Nor’Easter 2007 has been approved by FEMA,” states Mayor Richard Moccia. Details will follow.

I urge everyone to refer to the City of Norwalk website www.norwalkct.org for instructions to ensure that they have the necessary documentation and have followed the necessary steps to expedite their claims when FEMA is ready to process. I would also like to thank Governor Rell and Congressman Shays for their efforts in having FEMA reverse their original decision.”

UPDATE:

FEMA Reverses Decision on Emergency Aid for April Nor’easter
Agency to Award Assistance for Individual Claims for Flood Damaged Residents

Washington, D.C.–The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it will award federal assistance to individual residents affected by the April Nor’easter which left many Connecticut homes and businesses flooded and without power, reversing its earlier decision of May 15, 2007. The Agency, responding to appeal requests from Congressman Christopher Shays, Governor Rell, and the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, made the announcement today.

On May 29th, Shays toured flood damaged areas of the Fourth District with Regional FEMA Director, Arthur Cleaves, as part of the appeals process to underscore the level of damage suffered by residents as a result of the storm.

“This is badly needed assistance for residents of the Fourth District, and I am grateful this appeal request was granted,” said Shays. “Many residents are still affected by the damaged produced by the storm, and are in need of this relief. I am also grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this matter, which helped bring about this result.”

The text of Shays’ appeal letter to FEMA Director David Paulison and today’s decision follow:

State of Connecticut
Federal Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet

June 13, 2007

On May 11, 2007, President Bush declared a major disaster for the State of Connecticut triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the severe storms and flooding that occurred April15-27, 2007. This disaster declaration has been amended as indicated below in bold:

Declaration Number: FEMA-1700-DR

Incident: Severe Storms and Flooding

Incident Period: April 15-27, 2007

Federal Coordinating Officer: Michael L. Parker
National FCO Program

Type of Assistance: Individual Assistance: (Assistance to individuals and households):

Designated Counties: Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham Counties

Type of Assistance: Public Assistance: (Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities.)

Designated Counties: Fairfield and Litchfield Counties

Type of Assistance: Hazard Mitigation: (Assistance to State and local governments for actions taken to prevent or reduce long- term risk to life and property from natural hazards.)

Designated Counties: All counties in the State of Connecticut are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

OTHER: Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.