HARTFORD– U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and the Connecticut Congressional delegation on Tuesday wrote to President Joe Biden urging an expeditious emergency declaration after the sudden and severe flooding that destroyed roads, homes, and other critical infrastructure, and caused at least two deaths in western and southwestern Connecticut on Sunday.

“While the state of Connecticut and affected municipalities conducted emergency responses and initial recovery efforts, federal support is absolutely critical to full recovery,” wrote the delegation. “We therefore urge you to swiftly declare a state of emergency for the State of Connecticut, as requested on August 20, 2024, by Governor Lamont, to enable vital supplementary federal assistance.”

On August 18, parts of Connecticut received up to 16 inches of rain in just a few hours. The floodwaters caused significant damage to critical infrastructure like roads, rail lines, and bridges, devastated local businesses and homes, trapped residents in their homes and forced others to evacuate, and tragically killed two people.

Governor Ned Lamont requested a federal emergency declaration under Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on August 20, 2024, to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures in New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties.

A federal disaster declaration is necessary in order to provide direct federal assistance to the affected communities. The delegation’s letter urges swift action from the federal government so that Connecticut can continue recovery and rebuilding efforts. 

Full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear President Biden,

            We write in strong support of Governor Ned Lamont’s August 20, 2024, request for an emergency declaration under Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act after the sudden and severe flooding that occurred on August 18, 2024 in the State of Connecticut. Governor Lamont has specifically requested assistance under Categories A (debris removal) and B (emergency protective measures), including Direct Federal Assistance, for Litchfield, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties. We strongly support this request and urge its expeditious approval.

            On Sunday, August 18, towns around Connecticut received up to 16 inches of rain – a 1,000-year flood event in some of the harder hit areas. The flooding caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the closure of rail lines and more than 25 roadways; forced some people to evacuate from their homes while others were stranded in theirs; and devastated local businesses. Tragically, two individuals in the town of Oxford lost their lives during the floods. On Sunday afternoon, the state’s Emergency Operations Center was activated, as were regional offices. Emergency response personnel and local and state employees worked tirelessly Sunday and Monday to perform rescues, inspect impacted infrastructure, and begin the recovery processes. On Monday, August 19, Governor Lamont declared a state of emergency in response to this significant flooding event.

            While the state of Connecticut and affected municipalities conducted emergency responses and initial recovery efforts, federal support is absolutely critical to full recovery. We therefore urge you to swiftly declare a state of emergency for the state of Connecticut, as requested on August 20, 2024 by Governor Lamont, to enable vital supplementary federal assistance.

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