Established in 1950, the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency had been slowly developing a plan for urban renewal in Norwalk with funds from the Federal Urban Renewal Agency. This is part of a nationwide project to revitalize city neighborhoods. But very little progress was made on the project by 1955 and with the catastrophe of the flood, the city had different problems to address. With additional funds from the Federal Government for Flood Control, the redevelopment project became focused on the Main and Wall Streets area.

During these hurricanes, Norwalk experienced only minor flooding along the shore. Residents watched the 5 o’clock news and saw the devastation and loss of lives in towns like Farmington, Winsted and Ansonia. But it never occurred to them that it would happen here. The Norwalk River was just a little trickle compared to the upstate rivers.

Many individuals who lost their homes or businesses were given financial aid by the Federal Government and the Red Cross. A team from the National Red Cross came to Norwalk and distributed 157 rehabilitation grants totaling over $150,000. The Small Business Administration, a government agency, set up an office at the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and over the next year gave 52 long-term, low interest loans totaling $800,000.