Tropical Storm Irene Disaster Loan Outreach Centers Closing Down

Sen. Fasano to U.S. Rep. DeLauro: East Haven must stay open longer

Hartford, CT – The eight disaster loan outreach centers (DLOC’s) operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be closing down beginning this week. However, Senator Len Fasano, who lost a business in the storm, is questioning whether the centers should close, especially in East Haven – one of the hardest hit communities on the shoreline.

“This is way too early for closing the Federal Emergency Management Association and SBA offices in East Haven. Many victims haven’t gone through the entire recovery process. The doors are closing prematurely,” said Senator Len Fasano. “Many of our residents in East Haven suffered terrible losses. They are still trying to figure out where to go next and there is no valid reason to permanently close the office until we know that each resident has been helped. ”

Unlike the other centers around the state, the DLOC at the East Haven Town Beach, 160 Cosey Beach Road, will remain open until October 13th. The hours will continue to be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

However, Senator Fasano would like to make sure that East Haven residents are not abandoned by the Federal Government and is sending U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-New Haven) a letter expressing his concern – asking that she look into the matter and take any appropriate action.

The Cosey Beach area was one of those hit the hardest.

“I myself am trudging through the process. I would like to think the resources will not dry up just because FEMA and SBA have pulled up stakes,” Senator Fasano added. “My office will be available to help residents in the event the Federal Government rolls-up its ‘welcome mat’.”

Registration through FEMA will continue to be available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

The deadline to register is November 3rd; also the same date Senator Fasano would like the East Haven center to remain open until.