MONROE, Conn — Assistance keeps pouring in for Connecticut's small businesses affected by the historic floods on Aug. 18. The federal Small Business Administration and the state Dept. of Economic and Community Development are processing hundreds of applications for funds to help small businesses get back on their feet after seeing damage in and around their establishments.
The SBA spoke with Connecticut’s state and federal leaders Tuesday afternoon in front of the Monroe Police Department, currently home to the Business Recovery Center.
"We are very impressed with both the teamwork and collaboration here in Connecticut between the volunteers, local leaders state leaders and our federal delegation," said Catherine Marx from SBA.
In addition to the Monroe and Oxford recovery centers, there will be others opening in Southbury and Wilton later this week.
The Dept. of Economic and Community Development underestimated how much help Connecticut would need; over 300 active applicants have submitted for the DECD's $25,000 grants, and by Wednesday, nearly $4 million in federal funding would have been paid out to affected small businesses, especially those affected in New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties. The DECD will be expanding on its efforts to help and provide recovery funds.
"You are not alone. We are here, we are not going anywhere. We are going to continue to work with you as we continue to rebuild,” said Dan O'Keefe, the Commissioner of state DECD.
One of those affected businesses was Sip and Scoop, which opened just three weeks before the floods. The floods caused water and electrical damage to the new business and the ice cream machines. The business manager said it was quick and easy to apply online for the loans and that a replacement soft serve machine is on the way.
FEMA has been helping hundreds of small businesses and homeowners, giving out over $2.5 million already; each applicant can receive loans up to $42,500 for property loss, $42,500 for what was inside the home, and an SBA low-interest loan if applicable, according to Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Six weeks after the historic floods, there’s plenty of work to be done, but leaders are impressed with how far we’ve come.
“We owe you all a debt of gratitude that the damage is being repaired in record time,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
There are some roadblocks that Connecticut’s Congress members vow to tackle. Congress passed a resolution that would delay a government shutdown through Dec. 20 and keep emergency funds for disasters like this available. Blumenthal also called for insurance companies to be accountable for protecting homeowners during floods.
“They are hiding behind the fine print of no flood insurance," Blumenthal said. "From a moral standpoint - if not a legal one – they can and they must do better.”
Members of Congress also said we have to “build back better” to become resilient against natural disasters that they say are getting stronger and more dangerous due to climate change.
FEMA is now in the process of reviewing paperwork to approve reimbursements for municipalities recovering from the floods.
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
Apple App Store: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.