Through Acting Governor Michael Fedele, Governor M. Jodi Rell has formally requested that President Obama declare a Major Disaster in Fairfield County – a move that could bring federal financial aid to Bridgeport and other Fairfield County towns impacted by the June 24 tornado. The letter was sent after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) confirmed significant losses and expenses in Fairfield County for the June 24 tornado.
“The June 24 tornado touched down for just a short period of time, but people in the Bridgeport area are still trying to put their lives and livelihoods back together,” said Governor Rell, who toured the damage just after the storm ripped through the city.
“The raging storm not only delivered a staggering blow from nature, it took a colossal toll on the financial resources of state and local governments,” Governor Rell said. “The whipping winds, uprooted trees, and power outages did tremendous damage to homes, businesses and roads. Police officers, firefighters, public works crews and others spent countless hours trying to keep residents safe.”
“Taxpayers cannot bear these costs – especially not in these still-stressful economic times,” Acting Governor Fedele said. “Our top priority right now is to provide all of the assistance we possibly can to everyone who has been affected by the Bridgeport tornado. We are confident that the White House will act quickly on this request.”
