Governor Lamont Secures Disaster Declaration From U.S. Small Business Administration for Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses Impacted by September Flooding

SBA Disaster Designation Granted for Fairfield County and the Contiguous Counties of New Haven County and Litchfield County

Declaration Enables Impacted Individuals, Families, Businesses, and Nonprofits To Apply for Low-Interest Loans To Aid in Their Recovery

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has secured a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Fairfield County and the contiguous counties of New Haven County and Litchfield County in response to the flash flooding event that impacted the region on September 13, 2026.

The approved declaration means that homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits in the impacted counties can apply for low-interest loans from the SBA to aid in their recovery.

The declaration comes in response to a request Governor Lamont submitted to the SBA immediately after joint assessments conducted by SBA, state, and local officials determined that the damage from the storm exceeds the criteria necessary to qualify.

"This declaration makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits so they can recover and rebound from these flash floods," Governor Lamont said. "I am glad that we've been able to secure this funding and encourage anyone who was impacted by this storm to look into this assistance and determine whether it can help you in the recovery process."

The following groups may be eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans:

• Homeowners: Up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
• Homeowners and renters: Up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
• Business owners: Up to $2,000,000 for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses.
• Businesses and nonprofits: Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2,000,000 to provide necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster.

Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins said, "We know there are people with uninsured losses. These low-interest SBA loans are a means for people to rebuild and recover from the flooding. Additionally, our Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster-independent faith-based and nonprofit groups-remain engaged in helping people needing cleanup."

Senator Richard Blumenthal said, "This disaster declaration is a strong step toward bringing federal aid to Connecticut following severe floods last month. This step allows Connecticut state agencies to work with federal partners like the SBA to continue recovery efforts and potentially unlock more federal assistance to rebuild local businesses. I am grateful to the SBA for their swift response to Governor Lamont and our delegation's request."

Congressman Jim Himes said, "I'm glad the federal government is stepping up to assist Connecticut residents and businesses, especially those in Fairfield County, in recovering from last month's flooding. I encourage anyone whose residence or business was impacted by the severe weather to look into these resources. I will continue fighting alongside the rest of Connecticut's Congressional delegation to bring home the federal support our constituents need to rebound."

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said, "Extreme weather events like flash flooding are damaging our communities more often and more unexpectedly. I am glad that federal support is on its way through this SBA disaster declaration for the businesses, residents, and communities that were impacted by devastating flash floods last month. I will continue to fight for federal resources so that Connecticut has the support necessary rebuild after disasters like this one."

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes said, "Extreme weather continues to impact our state. I am pleased to see the U.S. Small Business Administration approve federal assistance for parts of the Fifth District and our state. These federal resources will help alleviate the financial losses of business leaders and homeowners from the recent flooding."

Congressman John B. Larson, "As communities continue to recover from severe flooding that hit our state last month, I am glad that the Small Business Administration granted our request for a disaster declaration. This declaration is a crucial step forward, so small businesses, local organizations, and homeowners can get the help they need to repair and rebuild after incurring damage-including in Litchfield County. Our delegation will keep working with the governor and state leaders to ensure the federal government is responsive to the towns and cities that were impacted by this storm."

Congressman Joe Courtney said, "Connecticut communities were hit hard on September 13 by sudden and intense flooding. I encourage all small business owners in the counties covered by this disaster declaration to take advantage of the available assistance from the Small Business Administration."

How to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans

Under this declaration, the application deadline for physical damage loans is December 1, 2026, and the application deadline for economic injury loans is July 2, 2027.

Applications may be submitted to the SBA through the following methods:

• In-person: A temporary, in-person SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center at 999 Broad Street in Bridgeport beginning October 7, 2026.
  • It will operate Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and it will be closed on Sundays.
  • Due to prior engagements, it will have adjusted hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 9, 2026; and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 20 and 21, 2026.
  • It will be closed on October 12, 2026, due to the Columbus Day holiday.
  • It is expected to permanently close at 4:00 p.m. on October 21, 2026.
• Online: The MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov provides applicants with the ability submit applications online, view loan details, check balances, make payments, and access statements.

For further assistance, applicants can contact the SBA's Customer Service Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.