Flood-Impacted Hartford Residents Urged to Apply for Relief Benefits by Dec. 2

By Hugh McQuaid

November 14 @ 9:30 am

Hartford residents impacted by flooding have until Dec. 2 to apply for benefits under the Hartford Flood Relief and Compensation Program, Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced in a Tuesday press release.

The program was created last year to assist Hartford homeowners and businesses whose property had been damaged by severe flooding in the city’s North End. The initiative has provided more than $6 million to help hundreds of applicants recover from flooding damage.

The deadline comes as the federal funding that supports the program is set to expire. Meanwhile, applications have slowed, according to the Connecticut Mirror. In a release, Scanlon said his office hoped to get an estimation of the remaining demand before federal dollars ran out at the end of this year.

“The Hartford Flood Relief and Compensation Program helped keep businesses open, allowed families to stay in their homes, and compensated people for irreplaceable items lost in floods,” Scanlon said. “If you or your business have experienced damage as a result of flooding, we encourage you to apply before the December 2nd deadline.”

Originally funded at $5 million, the relief fund was established and later expanded through advocacy by North End residents and support from Hartford-area legislators like Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford.

McCrory urged impacted residents to apply for benefits before next month’s deadline.

“Our community fought hard for this relief because we know firsthand how devastating flooding in the North End has been,” McCrory said. “This program has already helped many families and businesses get back on their feet, but time is running out. So, if your property has been damaged by flooding don’t wait — apply before the December deadline to make sure you get the support you need. We don’t want to see anyone left behind.”

Residents seeking to apply for benefits can visit the comptroller’s website at osc.ct.gov/HartfordFlood or the Blue Hills Civic Association on Albany Avenue to fill out an application.

Since it launched last September, the HFCP has dispersed more than $6.6 million in support to nearly 450 residents with an average benefit of around $13,000, according to the state comptroller.

HFCP Administrator Dr. Gary Rhule said residents have reported “overwhelmingly positive” feedback about their experiences.

“This program has been successful in helping the residents and non-resident businesses of Hartford affected by flooding,” Rhule said.