Himes Urges Governor Rell to Appeal FEMA's Decision to Deny Federal Assistance to Bridgeport

Letter

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today sent a letter to Governor M. Jodi Rell urging an appeal of FEMA's decision to deny federal assistance to individuals and businesses affected by severe weather including a tornado this past June. The damage in Fairfield County is localized in Bridgeport, CT, one of the most economically distressed cities in the state.

"I am incredibly disappointed with FEMA's decision to deny the State of Connecticut's request for a federal disaster declaration," said Himes. "The severity of damage as a result of the storm on June 24, and the subsequent impact on families and businesses in Bridgeport is extensive. On the heels of March storms in the same area that were declared a major disaster, recovery and rebuilding efforts from this incident have been made only that much more difficult. Those who live in the affected areas need this federal assistance to move forward."

On August 23, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation joined together to urge President Obama to declare a major disaster for Fairfield County as a result of the storm. The declaration would provide federal assistance to the communities, businesses, and residents impacted by the severity and magnitude of the storm's damages.

Governor M. Jodi Rell
Exectuvie Office of the Governor
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106

September 15, 2010

Dear Governor Rell,

As you know, FEMA has rejected the State of Connecticut's request for a federal disaster declaration following a severe weather and a tornado on June 24, 2010. The tornado that touched down in Bridgeport was a localized incident, concentrated not only in a low income part of the country, but in a low income part of the city. On the heels of March storms in the same area that were declared a major disaster, recovery and rebuilding efforts have been made only that much more difficult. I urge you to appeal FEMA's decision.

I understand that there are guidelines for damage thresholds that must be met on both the counry and state level to receive federal assistance. As made clever under 44 CFR 206.48, however FEMA must also take into consideration damage from recent disasters within the "last twelve-month" period and localized impact, understanding that "at times there are extraordinary concentrations of damage that might warrant federal assistance even if the statewide per capita is not met." A localized weather system that devastates the homes and businesses of those who have the greatest need within out state cannot be disregarded simply because the damage inflicted does not meet statewide threshold in the same way that a widespread natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake would.

I would not remiss if I did not remind you that over 20% of Bridgeport residents live below the national poverty level, compared to 12.9% of the nation. The income median for the City of Bridgeport is under half the median income of the rest of the country according to the census Bureau, 42% of residents in the East Side of Bridgeport, the area the storm and tornado most severely impacted, have a median income below the national poverty level. Bridgeport has the highest umemployment rate in the country, 12.9% compared to 7.9% for Fairfield County.

Without this assistance, Bridgeport, a city already struggling, will have great difficulty recovering financially from the disaster. I strongly urge you to appeal FEMA's denial.

Regards,
Jim Himes

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