The announcement Tuesday that the federal government is releasing $3.1 billion in low-income heating assistance, of which Connecticut’s take is $72.4 million, couldn’t come at a better time for local social service agencies that deal with the state’s neediest.

“Norwich is the largest city in southeastern Connecticut, and unfortunately we have a lot of people who are out of work,” said Norwich Human Services Director Beverly Goulet. “We don’t have the jobs that we once had. Sadly, I think we are going to see more first-time applicants.”

The LIHEAP funds for southeastern Connecticut are managed through Thames Valley Council for Community Action Inc.’s Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

For more on this story, visit: The Day – Connecticut receiving $72.4 million in low-income heating assistance | News from southeastern Connecticut.