Starting September 1, applications will be accepted, and review process will begin
(HARTFORD, CT) - Joined by community advocates, elected leaders and Hartford Flood Compensation Program Administrator Dr. Gary Rhule, Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced the September 1 start of the program's application process.
Established through the adoption of the Governor's 2024-2025 biennium budget, this $5,000,000 pilot program will be overseen by the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), administered by Dr. Gary Rhule, and charged with providing financial assistance or reimbursement to eligible owners of real property in the city of Hartford who experienced damage caused by flooding on or after January 1, 2021.
"From the passage of this funding, my office has been hard at work to ensure this application be up-and-running as soon as possible because we have heard loud and clear from Hartford residents and advocates how important this relief is," said Comptroller Scanlon. "The system we have set up will ensure that these funds are spent equitably and appropriately, and I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Rhule and our community partners to bring this relief to as many citizens as possible."
"This is a great day for the capital city of Hartford and for the state of Connecticut, which have always been centers of innovation for creative solutions to difficult challenges. Hartford is a great place to live, work, and play," said Hartford Flood Compensation Program Administrator Dr. Rhule. "Under the leadership of the Lamont administration, the strength of this pilot program is a result of collaboration among legislators, city government, state and local partners, and the community. Working together, we can act on the promise of having healthy homes and environments for our current residents and generations to come."
In order to obtain reimbursement, property owners who believe they are eligible must:
- Visit osc.ct.gov/HartfordFlood or Blue Hills Civic Association (Temporary address at the Colin Bennett Building: 1229 Albany Avenue, Third Floor, Suite 306, Hartford, CT) to obtain an application.
- Submit a completed application and supporting documentation to HartfordFloodHelp@ct.gov, Blue Hills Civic Association, or OSC (Attention: Office of the State Comptroller/Hartford Flood Compensation Program, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford 06106).
- Await claim review by the program administrator.
- If notified by the grant administrator they are eligible for potential reimbursement, arrange a home inspection via an approved DCP-licensed inspector or an MDC-provided inspector.
- Await inspection report review by the program administrator.
- Approved applicants will have payments sent to the applicant's residential address listed on the application.
Applications will be accepted beginning September 1, 2023. There is no deadline for submission, but it is a first come, first served program until funds are depleted. Applicants wishing to appeal any decision will have 30 days to do so via a third-party appeals administrator. Questions can be directed to HartfordFloodHelp@ct.gov.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said, "I'm grateful to Comptroller Scanlon for working to get this flood relief program up and running as soon as possible, to Governor Lamont for moving so fast to appoint Dr. Rhule as the administrator, and to our legislative delegation for working so hard to secure these funds. As once-in-a-generation storms become once-a-year or once-a-season storms, it's clear we need significant upgrades to our ancient stormwater and sewer systems, and that's not going to be an easy or quick fix. That's why it's so important that we have a way of providing relief for families and businesses who have been — and will be — hit so hard by these floods."
House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said, "When we came together in my office this spring to discuss solutions, an important aspect was getting relief to residents and businesses who have already suffered losses from flooding. Today's announcement of the application process for the Hartford Flood Compensation Program is a huge step forward and a tribute to neighborhood activists who worked and pushed until solutions appeared."
State Representative Joshua Hall (D-Hartford) said, "I'm happy we've reached the point where the application process can begin. Residents of the North End of Hartford have been dealing with this issue for far too long, and for them, it's a constant worry each time it rains. I want to thank Comptroller Scanlon for making this a top priority and ensuring Dr. Rhule has all the resources to make the residents of the North End of Hartford whole."
Vicki Gallon Clark, CEO of Blue Hills Civic Association said, "Equity is a word that I am repeatedly using in conversations about our community. We are encouraged by the actions that our legislators have taken at the city, state, and federal levels to begin to address the issue of flooding in our neighborhoods. We are extremely pleased to be working with Dr. Gary Rhule and his team to mitigate damages that have been caused by flooding. The Blue Hills Civic Association is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that our residents have sufficient information to begin this restorative process."
Scott W. Jellison, CEO of the Metropolitan District said, "The MDC is proud to be working with Comptroller Scanlon, Dr. Rhule, and our representatives on this initiative to assist Hartford residents. We are dedicated to ensuring this program is successful, as well as the work to improve city infrastructure to better the lives of residents."
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