10/31/11 President Obama signs disaster declaration for Connecticut:

President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration for Connecticut, ordering federal aid for commodities, food, water, emergency power and debris removal following a devastating October snowstorm.

Gov. Dannel Malloy said Monday this is a "first stage declaration" and his administration will continue to seek federal reimbursement for state and local government expenditures in the wake of last weekend's nor'easter.

Nearly 750,000 utility customers were still out of power across the state as of early Monday evening.

United Illuminating had 7,400 customers in the dark, but expected the service would be restored by Tuesday.

Connecticut Light and Power restored power to 170,000 customers on Monday, but still had 740,000 out.

CL&P President Jeff Butler said more out-of-state line and tree-cutting crews are coming in over the next few days.