Waterford, Individuals Eligible For Federal Funds

, President Barack Obama declared the entire state of Connecticut a disaster late Friday night, meaning Waterford, along with the rest of Connecticut, will receive federal money for Irene clean-up.

The town has spent thousands and thousands on overtime and fuel for generators, First Selectman Dan Steward said. With this declaration, the town will be reimbursed up to 70 percent for its costs associated with Irene clean up.

Beers questioned if New London County would be declared an emergency, as FEMA money was limited and many states had much more costs. But those fears proved moot with Obama’s declaration Friday.

Along with the town receiving money, individuals and non-profit organizations that had damage in the storm are eligible to receive money as well. FEMA teams will have visited all 169 communities by the end of the day today, Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a press release.

The amount of money spent on Irene is still unknown, as this week's time cards haven’t come in yet and the costs are ongoing, Beers said.