No official federal disaster declaration has been made yet to help municipalities, residents and businesses with the cost of clean up and repairs from Tuesday's severe weather. But 5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty toured Brookfield and New Fairfield yesterday to take pictures, which should bolster the FEMA request. See notes that the federal government needs to be a partner in this moment. While Connecticut is not at the top of the list when thinking about tornadoes, Esty says that doesn't mean the district isn't dealing with their devastation right now.
Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn estimated that by the time things return to normal, the cost could be more than $2-million.
Senator Richard Blumenthal also toured New Fairfield and Brookfield yesterday to view storm damage in an effort to make the case for a federal disaster declaration to be made. He says FEMA assistance is given to the gulf coast and Oklahoma, now Connecticut needs the help. Blumenthal says it's unlike anything seen in the country in the last several decades because the tornadoes and macroburst hit a heavily forested area.
Eversource says the damage to their system was worse than during Superstorm Sandy.
