Harwinton seeks disaster aid after July 4 storm; cleanup estimated up to $1 million

During the July 9 meeting, the Harwinton Board of Finance heard an update on damage and recovery from the July 4 storm. Board members were told power has been restored but cleanup will likely take weeks, if not months, and the town is awaiting a gubernatorial disaster declaration to pursue federal assistance.

Estimated costs for recovery and cleanup were reported in the minutes as between $500,000 and $1,000,000. The minutes note mutual aid and assistance from the towns of Norfolk, Litchfield, Avon, Simsbury and New Hartford. The record also states that Supreme Industries and Innovative Industries provided free services to the town following the storm.

The minutes do not specify which town official provided the update, which exact cleanup tasks remain outstanding, or a timeline for an application for federal funds.

The board did not vote on emergency appropriations at this meeting; the minutes record the situation for future action pending a Governor's declaration.