Connecticut Congressional Delegation Urges President Biden to Approve Lamont's Request for Disaster Declaration Ahead of Henri's Landfall

[HARTFORD, CT] – Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation tonight sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor Ned Lamont’s request for an emergency declaration under Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act in advance of Storm Henri making landfall in Connecticut.

“Hurricane Henri’s damage will undoubtedly pose an immediate threat to lives, public health, and safety, necessitating an emergency declaration and federal assistance. As of Saturday afternoon, Henri was classified as a Category 1 hurricane and the entire state of Connecticut is currently under a hurricane or tropical storm warning. Henri is likely to be the first hurricane to directly hit the northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991, and even if it hits the state as a tropical storm, is expected to bring significant damage,” wrote the members of Congress.

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and signed by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jim Himes (CT-4), and Jahana Hayes (CT-5).

A copy of the letter is included below:

Dear President Biden,

We write urgently in strong support of Governor Ned Lamont’s August 21, 2021 request for an emergency declaration under Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act in advance of Hurricane Henri making landfall 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 all eight Connecticut counties and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation. Further, Governor Lamont has requested reimbursement at 100% for at least the first 72 hours. We strongly support this request and urge its expeditious approval.

Hurricane Henri’s damage will undoubtedly pose an immediate threat to lives, public health, and safety, necessitating an emergency declaration and federal assistance. As of Saturday afternoon, Henri was classified as a Category 1 hurricane and the entire state of Connecticut is currently under a hurricane or tropical storm warning. Henri is likely to be the first hurricane to directly hit the northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991, and even if it hits the state as a tropical storm, is expected to bring significant damage. A state-wide flood watch is in effect, with torrential rain, severe flooding, and a three to five foot storm surge along the coast expected, and wind gusts could exceed 90 miles per hour. Further, given the high winds, major tree and power line damage is expected, likely causing significant, sustained power outages throughout the state. Utilities companies have predicted outages lasting up to twenty-one days for at least 69% of customers in the state – putting vulnerable community members like seniors and those living in congregate care further at risk. 

Governor Lamont has declared a state of civil preparedness emergency, activated the State Response Framework, and partially activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Further, the Governor has activated at least 200 personnel from the Connecticut National Guard and is working with other critical response personnel to prepare for the storm. Connecticut is taking appropriate measures to aggressively protect the state’s residents from Henri, however, supplemental assistance from the federal government is absolutely critical. We therefore reiterate our support of Governor Lamont’s August 21, 2021 request for an emergency declaration in anticipation of Hurricane Henri and urge you to swiftly declare a state of emergency for the State of Connecticut.

Sincerely,

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