SEYMOUR, Conn. — Nearly two months since historic rain and flooding in the Naugatuck Valley region that destroyed homes, businesses and roadways, federal and state agencies continue to offer assistance to flooding victims.
Representatives from FEMA and the Small Business Administration, or SBA, were at Seymour Middle School Wednesday night, answering questions regarding funding.
Bob Fogel, a FEMA federal coordinating officer, said that over $7 million in FEMA grants have been given to over 2,000 people.
He explained that people impacted by flooding can receive up to $42,500 for physical damage coverage, along with up to another $42,500 for other needs. That includes compensation for damage to things like washed out driveways, septic systems, wells, medical equipment, and to assist with displacement or rental assistance.
The first step to accessing any assistance is applying.
“You can’t get any assistance from either FEMA or SBA if you don’t register with FEMA…homeowners once they register can expect an inspector will call them,” Fogel said.
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In addition to the online application, registration can also be completed via the FEMA app, in-person at the disaster recovery center in Southbury or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
There’s also the option to apply for a loan through the SBA, though registration must be completed through FEMA first.
“It’s really important that folks know that the SBA comes in alongside FEMA for both homeowners and small businesses,” said Catherine Marx, director of the SBA.
Marx explained that the SBA offers loans to homeowners, renters and business owners to cover both physical damage and economic injury.
There have been 203 applications so far, with $1.4 million allocated. Due to the recent hurricanes down south, Marx said the SBA disaster funding has been exhausted until Congress reconvenes to allocate more funds.
For anyone in Connecticut who already has an SBA loan application approved, it will not expire.
Flood victims like Emily Brisch, whose home was entirely destroyed, said there has been some confusion over which assistance has been given as a grant versus a loan.
“The only issue we’ve run into is that our SBA loan has a clause where we need to pay back part of our FEMA funds with our loan which carries interest,” said Brisch. “It should be transparent on the website if that’s how it works, I’ve talked to multiple people, I’ve talked to people here and nobody can quite answer my question of why it’s happening the way it’s happening.”
Despite the struggle, she urged others with any kind of damage to simply apply.
“Even if you don’t think you’re going to get any benefit from FEMA, even if you had insurance, still apply because you never know,” Brisch said.
Flood victims have until Nov. 19 to register and apply.
Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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