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Politics & Government

First Call FEMA

Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) meets with local, state and federal agencies to help coordinate economic assistance.

After left Lydia Silvas with a deluge in her basement, she faces a flood of forms and phone calls to get her life back on track.

Not much more than a soccer field separates Bridgeport’s 257-unit Seaside Village Homes So Silvas wasn’t surprised when seven feet of water flooded her basement.

“I lost everything down there. It was devastating for me and my neighbors. I am a little overwhelmed by the number of questions I have,” Silvas told those attending a meeting at the Fairfield Police Department, 100 Reef Road, yesterday.

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The meeting brought together representatives from several municipalities as well as multiple state and federal agencies. Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) participated in the meeting as a way to further facilitate economic assistance.

“Obviously this [the storm] was very challenging,” Himes said.

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Himes wanted to gather the various agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Small Business Agency, SBA and the National Flood Insurance Program to “make sure everybody is on the same page regarding resources.”

“Presumably, we learned a lot from the storm,” Himes said. “Obviously we don’t have representatives from CL&P and UI here; that’s a whole other kettle of fish."

Also in attendance were Fairfield Chief of Police Gary MacNamara, Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff and Weston’s Emergency Management Director Joe Miceli.

So far, 3,345 people statewide have registered with FEMA and FEMA-contracted inspectors have completed 1,390 inspections, according to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s office.

“I am pleased to see that state residents are receiving much needed financial assistance after the effects of Tropical Storm Irene,” Malloy said in a press release. “If you suffered damage from Tropical Storm Irene, you must register with FEMA to begin this disaster assistance process.”

Residents have until Nov. 3 to register. They can call 1-800-621-FEMA. 

Sally Mackert, a public affairs officer with FEMA, urges people to call FEMA first.

“Many people are pre-judging their eligibility for assistance. They need to register before we can do anything,” Mackert said.

In addition, businesses in need of help can contact the SBA. Businesses are eligible for up to $2 million to be repaid over 30 years at a 4 percent interest rate, said Tom Nocera, SBA’s Public Affairs Specialist.

“We are not going to approve anyone who can’t repay the US Treasury,” Nocera said. “We don’t want someone to get into an economic disaster after they’ve been through a physical disaster.”

So for those who may not be in a position to re-pay SBA, Nocera said grants from FEMA are available. Also, Nocera said anyone getting a loan from the government should save receipts to show they spent the money.

In addition, Himes called on Congress yesterday to approve disaster assistance for those Connecticut communities trying to recover from the September storm.

President Barack Obama recently asked Congress to approve more than $6 billion in supplemental relief for states affected by Hurricane Irene and other disasters. The U.S. Senate passed the request. However, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering legislation that would only provide $3.65 billion in assistance to these communities. FEMA said that’s $2 billion less than it needs to help communities fully recover. In addition, the current bill requires that federal disaster assistance be offset by spending cuts elsewhere.

“It’s going to be a little uglier fight on my side,” Himes said.

Mackert said residents shouldn’t worry about the partisan politics.

“People should not think they are any less eligible for money no matter what is happening in Washington,” Mackert said.

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