Connecticut has approved $4.7 million in new funding for a program that helps homeowners, businesses and tenants in the city of Hartford’s neighborhoods recover from flooding.
The Hartford Flood Compensation & Relief Programs (HFCRP) was launched in 2023 and accepted applications through last December. The pilot program was originally allocated $5 million to provide financial assistance or reimbursement to eligible property owners and tenants in the city who experienced damage caused by flooding on or after January 1, 2021. After exhausting the pilot funding, the program received an additional $4 million during the 2024 legislative session.
The latest $4.7 million round of funding approved by the State Bond Commission is expected to cover payouts of 139 applications that were received before the December 2024 deadline and are awaiting payment.
Based on average claim payouts, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said he does not anticipate having any unspent funds nor does it expect to reopen the program for additional applications after the latest $4.7 million in funding.
According to a report by Scanlon’s office, through the end of 2024, the program had paid out more than $8,191,494.97 million in relief to 523 Hartford residents and business owners. The average claim payout has been $15,722.25.
“The programs have been incredibly successful, and I am happy we were able to secure funds to assist everyone who is still in the queue,” House Speaker Matt Ritter said.
“The Flood Compensation Program is a vital resource for residents who have seen chronic neighborhood disinvestment over the years,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “This additional funding will allow more residents, business owners, and neighbors to take advantage of the program and make necessary repairs to their property without bearing the financial burden.
According to the report by the comptroller, the HFRCP has received 776 applications since launching September 1, 2023, a number that exceeded expectations. While the bulk of applications and payouts have involved residential property and personal damages, commercial properties have submitted 6% of applications and received 11.5% of all payouts.
As expected, the largest share of applications came from the northern half of Hartford, parts of which are next to the now-buried Park River and deal with antiquated storm drainage systems. According to the report, increasing precipitation brought on by climate change has increased the frequency and severity of flooding, especially in the neighborhood of Blue Hills, which saw the most applications at 274. Upper Albany, which has a concentration of multi-family and commercial properties, had 142 applications.
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Flood
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