First Selectman says he will press legislators after state fails to meet FEMA reimbursement threshold

First Selectman Robert Brule told the board he would ask state and federal legislators to press for assistance after the town learned it will not receive FEMA reimbursement for costs tied to the Feb. 22 blizzard because the state‑level threshold was not met.

"We just had the biggest blizzard we've had since 1938 and we're getting no help," Brule said, arguing the region was hit hard and asking staff to pursue representation with legislators on the town's behalf.

Town staff member Steve explained how the county/state/FEMA threshold process works: towns supply damage estimates; counties must reach county thresholds, and the state must then reach a statewide threshold for the federal government (FEMA) to consider a claim. Steve said New London and Windham counties combined reported roughly $3.83 million in damage estimates, representing about 55% of the statewide threshold required to make a FEMA claim; because the state did not reach the required total, the state could not submit a claim to FEMA and towns will not receive federal reimbursement under that process.

Board members discussed options for advocacy. Brule said he had already spoken to legislative leaders and urged staff to reach out to the town's representatives to press the case. Staff noted federal and state budget factors that affect availability of funds but confirmed the technical reason for the denial: the statewide threshold was not met.

The board did not take formal action during the discussion but directed staff to pursue outreach to legislators and to continue documenting costs related to the storm.