By Tiffany Williams –
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and the state’s Congressional delegation announced that the Federal Highway Administration has approved $25 million in emergency relief funding to reimburse the Connecticut Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs following the historic August 18, 2024, flooding in western Connecticut. The state had already received $3 million in “quick release” funds last year, bringing total federal emergency relief for the storm to $28 million. The total cost of repairs from the flooding is estimated at around $40 million.
Governor Lamont said the funding is a major help as the state continues recovering from extreme rainfall and stressed the importance of federal support for resilient infrastructure. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal called the $25 million a “huge win” for communities still recovering and emphasized the need for long-term investments to protect infrastructure from increasingly destructive storms.
Senator Chris Murphy highlighted CTDOT’s quick action to repair and reopen washed-out roads and bridges, saying the federal funding is critical for ongoing upgrades to make infrastructure more resilient. Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes, and Jahana Hayes praised the reimbursement, noting that it offsets state costs and ensures resources are available to repair damaged roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure across affected districts.
CT Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the initial emergency funds allowed CTDOT to act immediately after the flooding, and the additional reimbursement will replenish resources to continue repairing and strengthening the state’s transportation network. CTDOT had responded quickly to make immediate repairs and reopen impacted roads and bridges, using available federal funds, which will now be replenished by the new funding.
The state is also designing construction projects for three bridges in Oxford and Southbury, with those costs eligible for emergency relief funds. Connecticut expects to apply for additional federal funding as rebuilding continues.