Dear John,

I hope this message finds you well, and that your family and neighbors are safe. 

I have been closely monitoring the situation in the state and am receiving regular updates as news from the storm is shared. I am devastated to learn in addition to the severe structural damage across the state, two individuals tragically lost their lives while traveling through the storm. I am keeping them and their loved ones in my prayers.
 
My team and I have been in contact with Governor Ned Lamont, the Connecticut State Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Today, Governor Lamont has declared a state of emergency in response to the significant flooding impacting portions of Connecticut due to historically severe rainfall that began yesterday afternoon and has caused extensive structural damage to critical infrastructure. This action will help expedite access to resources needed to continue to respond and is an important step in requesting federal aid. 

Over the next several days, damage will be assessed and submitted to the necessary agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. I am working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure our communities receive the resources needed to safely rebuild.

Recovery efforts are expected to take weeks, and all are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling. For real-time updates on road closures, please visit: https://ctroads.org/.

Local Emergency Management Directors (EMD) will be collecting evidence of severe damage incurred. To report damage, please contact your town’s Emergency Management Director. Additionally, when traveling, residents should always obey yellow tape and traffic cones, and not travel over flooded roadways.

I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to our first responders, law enforcement personnel, and all who are tirelessly working to keep us safe. Should you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.


 
Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress