Senator Hwang Updates Community on Storm Response, Pushes for Federal Emergency Declaration

Today, State Senator Tony Hwang joined Governor Ned Lamont, US Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding, State Senator Eric Berthel, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and many other stakeholders to update impacted communities on the weekend’s severe storms. Among the hardest hit communities were Oxford, Newtown, and Middlebury, seeing between 9” and 16” of rain. Tragically, two women were killed in the resulting flooding, and multiple roads and bridges were washed away. At today’s press conference, stakeholders discussed the damage caused, and the storm response from state, federal, and local governments. Senator Hwang made a strong call for a federal declaration of emergency across impacted towns to allow federal emergency funds to be directed toward repairs of roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure.

“I saw firsthand the destruction and devastation this weekend’s storms wreaked on Newtown and nearby communities. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the two women lost to the storm’s flooding. I was moved by the immediacy with which neighbors sprung into action to help their fellow residents who were impacted. This community has really come together in the last few days,” Senator Hwang remarked. “I am working with all necessary stakeholders, including federal officials, to acquire necessary emergency funding to help heal our communities. Roadways used by thousands to commute and go about everyday errands have been severely affected, resulting in long detours and deleterious impacts on local businesses. A swift response is needed.”

Senator Hwang started early this morning, surveying the damage in Newtown with local first responders and elected officials. Witnessing the most severe damage firsthand, Senator Hwang committed to a robust storm response, coordinating with state and federal officials to ensure all necessary resources are allocated for community repair. He specifically noted the swift action needed to repair major travel routes in Newtown such as Route 25, Route 6, and Route 34.

While Senator Hwang is doing everything in his power to ensure a swift storm response, he also offered some long-term solutions to address these climate events. Senator Hwang has long been a proponent of increased funding for storm resilience in at-risk communities. Storms have become more intense, and more frequent in recent years as the climate has changed, bringing costly damage. Funds could be used to implement bioswales, reinforce structures against flooding, provide augmented storm warning services, and much more. To view the Senator’s most recent forum on coastal resiliency, click here.