State Steps Up Storm Protection for Shoreline Residents

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene, the state is stepping up measures to protect shoreline residents and businesses from the next big weather event.

Property owners living in parts of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, West Haven, New Haven, East Haven, Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, New London Groton and Stonington can apply for low-interest loans of up to $30,000 as part of “Shore Up CT.”

The program, initially dubbed the “Shoreline Resiliency Fund,” has received $5 million in bonds, along with an additional $25 million approved by the state legislature earlier this year, according to a release from the governor's office.

It was originally created to help shoreline residents who don’t qualify for federal disaster aid and would have to pay out of pocket to upgrade their homes and businesses.

Residents can borrow between $10,000 and $30,000 over a 15-year period with no monthly principal or interest for the first year. They’re required to have property, hazard and flood insurance for the duration of the loan, the release says.

Eligible properties include single-family homes occupied at least 14 days out of the year, owner-occupied rental properties containing up to four units and businesses in good standing with the state that employ fewer than 100 workers. Residents and business owners must not have any outstanding taxes.

Homes and businesses being elevated to avoid flood damage should be raised at least a foot above flood height, which can be calculated online at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Web site.