Malloy says 4 Conn. counties declared disasters

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says four Connecticut counties that include the state's battered shoreline have been declared disaster areas by the federal government.

The governor learned about the declaration from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday evening. It comes a day after a massive, hybrid storm hit the state, causing large-scale flooding and knocking out power to thousands.

Malloy said the declaration was made on an "expedited basis." He credited two conversations he had Tuesday with President Barack Obama.

Malloy said "getting this assistance will allow us to provide aid to our residents" and help municipalities bear the financial expense of cleaning up from the storm.

The governor said he expects the state will eventually receive similar declarations for the rest of the state.