Comptroller Sean Scanlon Announces Publication Of Hartford Flood Relief & Compensation Programs Report
Report outlines $9 million in expenditures to assist Hartford residents and property owners impacted by flooding
(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced the publication of a report outlining how the Hartford Flood Relief and Compensation Programs (HFRCP) allocated $9 million to assist and provide compensation to Hartford residents and property owners impacted by ground flooding.
“I am incredibly proud of the tangible relief the Hartford Flood Relief and Compensation Programs have provided to hundreds of Hartford residents and businesses,” said Comptroller Scanlon. “This program has demonstrated the positive impact government can have when we partner with communities to address chronic challenges and better the lives of citizens. We would not have been able to do this without our legislative partners, community leaders, Dr. Gary Rhule, and the Blue Hills Civic Association.”
Through this program, 523 property owners, renters, and business owners received $8,191,494.97 in relief. An additional 34 applications have been approved and allocated in the amount of $565,803.01, but checks have yet to be sent to claimants due to lack of response for requested paperwork necessary to process the payments. The total number of approvals is 557 with a total claim payout of $8,757,297.98. The average claim pay out was $15,722.25.
The report also outlines the administrative fees associated with HFRCP, including a contract with Crawford and Company to assess and inspect flood damage, a partnership with Blue Hills Civic Association to perform outreach and help residents fill out applications, and payment to the program administrator Dr. Gary Rhule.
Nearing the utilization of all available funds in November, Comptroller Scanlon instituted a December 2, 2024, deadline for HFRCP applications. Between the announcement on November 12 and December 2, 131 new applications were received—17% of total applications.
Due to the complete expenditure of funds, 139 applicants have not had their homes inspected to assess damage. These applicants have been notified and will be informed should future funding become available. Based on average claim payouts, the Office of the State Comptroller is proposing the legislature allocate an additional $4 million in the upcoming session to cover the remaining applications.
Speaker Matt Ritter said, “I want to thank Comptroller Scanlon and Commissioner Dykes for working with the Hartford delegation to implement this critical program. We helped hundreds of residents and small businesses repair their properties from devastating flooding. In addition, I want to thank the advocates who brought this issue into the forefront.”
Senator Doug McCrory said, “This program has been a lifesaver for many members of our community, who have been dealing for too long with the devastating impacts of flooding across the North End. This $9 million represents a direct response to the needs of our families. I’m grateful to Dr. Gary Rhule, the Blue Hills Civic Association, and the Comptroller’s Office for working together to make these funds available to help so many folks put their lives back together.”
Representative Maryam Khan said, “I am proud to see this critical funding reach the residents of Hartford who have been impacted by devastating flooding. Ensuring that our families have the resources they need to recover and rebuild has been a top priority, and I’m glad we were able to make this happen. This $8 million investment is a step toward addressing the challenges our community faces, and I look forward to continuing to work on solutions that protect and support families in Hartford.”
Representative Josh Hall said, “The Hartford Flood Program has helped hundreds of North Hartford Residents and business owners recoup losses from the devastating floods we have seen in recent years. I want to thank Comptroller Scanlon, Speaker Ritter, Senator McCrory, and the entire Hartford Delegation for ensuring that this relief was provided. A special thanks to BHCA and Director Rhule for providing residents with the necessary assistance.”
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said, “The Flood Compensation Program has been a lifeline for residents whose livelihoods are threatened by stormwater as a result of chronic neighborhood disinvestment. I’m encouraged to see so many residents taking advantage of this funding opportunity, and I hope our state legislature continues to support and expand the program. I’m grateful to Comptroller Scanlon and our partners at the state for listening to the concerns of Hartford residents and helping us take a step in the right direction.”
The complete report can be accessed here.
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