The storm that passed through the state on August 18 and caused so much flooding has been declared a disaster by both the Town of Newtown and the State of Connecticut. The flooding damaged roads, tossed around vehicles, and even destroyed some homes.

This tragedy has taken a real toll on some residents so it is heartening to hear that our local and state officials are working diligently to get help for those who have been afflicted.

Governor Ned Lamont announced August 21 that President Joe Biden has approved his request to authorize a federal emergency declaration for Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County.

The declaration means that state agencies can coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the deployment of federal personnel and equipment to augment emergency recovery efforts already underway by the state and its municipal counterparts. This includes actions to protect lives and property, and restorative efforts that defend public safety.

Staff from several state agencies, including the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, among others, have been on the ground since the initial impact of the storm to provide emergency services.

“This federal emergency declaration means that additional equipment and crews could be mobilized to Connecticut to support our many state and local crews who have been on the ground working to repair damaged roads, bridges, and dams, and also clean up waterways that have been contaminated by all kinds of hazardous items from the storm,” Lamont said. “There is still much work to do to repair and reopen the roads and make sure those who live in the area remain safe, and we are committed to completing this task. I thank President Biden for taking these actions and providing Connecticut with these lifesaving resources.”

The Lamont administration is continuing to work with towns, businesses, and individuals to conduct detailed damage assessments and calculate whether the cost thresholds have been met that would enable the state to receive a major disaster declaration from the federal government, which could result in the release of federal funding to support the rebuilding and repairing of damage to eligible public and uninsured private property. Any such funding to support those efforts requires the approval of a separate declaration. The process of conducting these assessments typically takes several weeks to complete and is already underway.

State Representative Mitch Bolinsky also released a statement on Tuesday: “I’d like to assure you that your town and state leadership teams have been in constant contact to assure your immediate safety, evaluate infrastructure damage, move forward on all repairs that can be done without outside resources, plan & execute the larger, higher-resource work ahead of us, begin, and complete those larger projects.

“Starting with the basics, First Selectman Capeci took quick action in declaring a local State of Emergency on Sunday. Notification was distributed via Town email. Governor Lamont followed with a declared CT State of Emergency on Monday. These events put in motion a federal declaration of emergency.

“This will initiate a FEMA survey of damages to determine if our weather event qualifies for federal relief assistance, which Sen Blumenthal assured us it will. If your property incurred damage, I urge you to complete and submit a survey to Newtown Emergency Management. A link will be provided shortly.

“For individuals regarding claimable property damages:

“Residents must document damage with pictures.

“Send pictures/information to Newtown Emergency Management.

“Local emergency management will share with state and state will complete ONE report to apply for FEMA disaster grants.

“Damage covered by individual insurance policies will not be eligible for FEMA grants — FEMA only covers uninsured damage

“Fallen trees are NOT eligible for FEMA disaster funding.

“Note: Residents without flood insurance can still get assistance via FEMA disaster grant."

Additionally, as always, The Newtown Bee joins with residents in thanking the town’s first responders, including the Newtown Police Department, all five fire companies, Newtown Ambulance, NUSAR, and other organizations, who are always on the frontlines during dangerous weather events, risking their own safety, to render assistance in any way they can.

As The Bee’s reporter Sam Cross was overheard in the office saying about one of the stories in this week’s paper, “first responders are amazing people.”

Chief of Police David Kullgren also recognized the first responders on the Newtown Police Department Facebook page, saying: “During challenging times like these, we are reminded of the invaluable work our first responders perform every hour of every day. As both your Police Chief and a fellow resident, I have been deeply moved by the bravery and dedication shown by our first responders during this recent storm. Their actions are a powerful reminder of why I hold such deep respect and gratitude for the work they do every day.”