Washington — Nearly a year after Hurricane Sandy slammed into Connecticut, the super storm’s victims can apply for grants, in the amounts of between $10,000 and $150,000, to repair and fortify their homes.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Friday said Sandy-hit homeowners can apply for assistance through the state’s “Connecticut Recovers” website.
The money for the grants was made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which awarded Connecticut $72 million in Community Development Block Grants.
Homeowners in Fairfield, New London, New Haven and Middlesex counties and the Mashantucket Pequot tribe are eligible.
But only damage to primary residences will be considered, and the grants will cover only those expenses not covered by insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or any other sources of funding.
Specific work that is eligible includes:
- Structural repair or replacement of damaged property;
- Cost-effective energy measures and improvements needed to meet HUD Section 8 standards;
- Lead-based paint abatement, asbestos abatement, handicapped accessibility for special needs;
- Mitigation assistance to elevate homes and/or reduce the risk for future disasters;
- Some appliances.
Evonne Klein, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Housing, said her agency will open intake centers in the four eligible counties in the next month to assist homeowners with the application process.
“However, we know the need for these funds is critical,” Klein said. ”In the meantime, people can go to the state’s recovery website (http://www.ct.gov/ctrecovers/site/default.asp) or the housing department’s site and start the application process immediately.”