January 31, 2014

GOV. MALLOY: COMMITTEE MUST REVIEW DECISION ON DISASTER MITIGATION FUNDING

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today sent a letter to state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) directing the agency to reconvene the Connecticut Interagency Hazard Mitigation Committee to reassess its decision on the allocation of federal funding after requesting additional information on the immediate needs of homeowners attempting to re-occupy their homes following Super Storm Sandy and finding alternative funding sources for the mitigation efforts.

Governor Malloy wrote, "I am directing you to reconvene the Connecticut Interagency Hazard Mitigation Committee in light of the concerns that have been raised by homeowners and Chief Elected Officials. I appreciate the professionalism and dedication the members of the Committee demonstrated during the review process and further appreciate their willingness to review their most recent decisions."

Upon the state's receipt of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant in connection with the two most recent Presidential Major Disasters declared in Connecticut, DESPP was charged with implementing the latest round of the federal program and making funds available to municipalities. In accordance with FEMA requirements, DESPP convened the Connecticut Interagency Hazard Mitigation Committee to review and prioritize the four categories of mitigation project applications, totaling over $81 million, for the $16.6 million in available funding.

Governor Malloy also directed the agency to continue to work with Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein and municipal leaders to review applications for funding and immediately address the needs of any individuals who have been unable to re-occupy their homes in the wake of Super Storm Sandy because of a lack of mitigation funds.

** Download : Governor Malloy's letter to DESPP re: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

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For Immediate Release: January 31, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy