President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Connecticut in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene.
Obama on Friday ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts beginning Aug. 27, when the heavy rain and wind began.
The federal funding will be available to state and local governments and some nonprofits for emergency work and repair in five Connecticut counties. They include Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more counties could receive assistance after additional assessments are made.
Irene hit Connecticut with 60 mph winds and drenching rain, destroyed dozens of homes along the shoreline and damaged crops. About 830,000 homes and businesses lost power at the storm's peak.
Two deaths in the state were attributed to Irene.
Obama Signs Conn. Disaster Declaration After Irene
Federal funding will be available to state and local governments and some nonprofits for emergency work and repair in five Connecticut counties
Copyright AP - Associated Press
