Monroe, Conn. – Homeowners and businesses still recovering from the August 18th historic flooding have a local option to get assistance with their disaster loan applications and other paperwork. State Representative Tony Scott (R-Monroe) was among the elected officials to gather outside the Monroe Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, where one Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Recovery Center has been set up in response to the storm.

In addition to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and SBA, State Senator Kevin Kelly, Governor Ned Lamont, Congressman Jim Himes, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and representatives from the CT Departments of Emergency Management & Homeland Security and Economic & Business Development, and a Monroe small business owner were on hand for the announcement.

“Many people in our region have moved on from what happened, but for those who suffered damage to their homes, businesses or belongings, they are still facing a long road ahead. We are here today for those who still need the help,” said Rep. Scott.

Over 1,000 applications have been filed in Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties. An SBA center is also open in Oxford and FEMA recovery centers will open Wednesday, October 2 at Southbury Town Hall and Thursday, October 3 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton.

Almost $3 million in FEMA assistance has been dispensed to date. Nearly $4 million has been paid out by the State Department of Economic and Community Development, through the Women’s Business Development Council, in a special grant program set up by the state in response to the storm.

“Businesses and residents that had property and casualty insurance found after this storm that their damage wasn’t covered. We need to look into what the state can do to hold insurance companies accountable so that the burden isn’t on homeowners and businesses or the state and federal government for recovery,” said Rep. Scott.

Impacted homeowners who file for Disaster Assistance must schedule a home inspection. The assistance limits are $42,500 for house repairs, $42,500 for rental assistance, and $42,000 for other needs. SBA Physical Assistance loans and Economic Disaster Assistance loans are also available for businesses.

The center hours at the Monroe Police Station, located on Fan Hill Road, are Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Homeowners and businesses don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. They can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

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