Connecticut officials rejected all 94 homeowner applications for federal money related to Superstorm Sandy aid, deciding instead to use the funds on storm-infrastructure projects for shore towns, a story in the Wall Street Journal says.

The decision, made by a committee of public officials, left homeowners angry, and had other officials wondering why the plan was not announced earlier, according to the story. The WSJ quotes Fairfield, Conn. Selectman Michael Tetreau as saying, "Why the heck didn't they say this last summer? This is like emotional torture for these people."

The homeowners had applied for funds from a $16.6 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, which would have reimbursed them for as much as 75% of their construction costs, the story notes.

Scott Devico, a spokesman for the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, says in the story that the committee's decision is meant to provide the greatest benefit from the limited funds to the most number of people. He also says homeowners will be able to apply for other Sandy aid, such as $65 million that will be provided by the U.S. Department of Urban Development and a state-loan program.

To read the full story by Joseph De Avila, click here.

Special Reports /

Conn. Homeowners Upset at Sandy-Aid Rejection from State Committee

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