Before the federal government will release any of the $71 million in Storm Sandy relief it has apportioned for Connecticut, the state must seek public comment on its plan to use the funds.

Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office released that plan today.

“This funding isn’t just about getting people’s lives back to normal following the devastation that occurred last year,” Malloy said in a press release.  “It’s also about making sure that when things are rebuilt, it’s done in a way that makes them more resilient to future storms.”

The plan requires that at least 80 percent of Connecticut’s allocation to be spent in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Middlesex and New London counties are also eligible for relief funds, along with the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation. At least half the money must be used to benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

Some $56 million is earmarked for housing rehabilitation and construction.

The deadline for public comment is April 26.