President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a federal emergency declaration that Gov. Ned Lamont requested for Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties after heavy rainfall Sunday and ensuing flooding caused widespread damage and two deaths. A White House announcement said Biden authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement state and local response efforts and coordinate disaster-relief efforts. The president’s approval came one day after Lamont requested the emergency declaration. The governor’s office said state agencies can now coordinate with FEMA on the deployment of federal personnel and equipment to augment emergency recovery efforts already underway by the state and its municipal counterparts. This includes actions to protect lives and property, and restorative efforts that defend public safety.
Biden approves federal emergency declaration for Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties