Obama Signs Disaster Declaration for State

State and local governments as well as individuals and non-profits can apply for federal funding now that a Connecticut Disaster Declaration has been issued, officials said.

President Barack Obama signed the declaration late Friday night, according to Gov. Dannel Malloy and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Residents in eight counties will qualify to receive financial and direct assistance in the form of repairs and temporary housing to individuals and households. Malloy said he is working to advocate for food coupons in the Individual Assistance program.

Local governments in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties also have qualified for public assistance, which is for emergency work and repair of replacement of , the governor said.

The state also qualifies for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from similar storms and other natural hazards.

"I'd like to thank the President and FEMA, particularly those workers who have been embedded with us at the Emergency Operations Center for the better part of a week," Malloy said in the press release issued Saturday morning. "We were able to quickly dispatch teams of federal, state and local workers after the storm to evaluate the damage and make our case for this declaration.

"By the end of the day today, FEMA teams will have been to all 169 cities and towns in the state, and we will continue to press for public assistance in the remaining three counties in the state. This storm was unprecedented in terms of the amount and scope of damage, and I'm pleased the President has agreed and made available these federal funds and services."

For more information on how to apply for assistance, see this page: Federal Aid Programs For State Of Connecticut Disaster Recovery,