President Barack Obama has approved Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's request to declare the January blizzard a major disaster, enabling parts of the state, including towns and cities in New London County, to receive federal aid.

The governor made the announcement Wednesday in a news release.

Financial assistance is available to New London County, along with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nations, Windham and Tolland Counties and state agencies, "for eligible costs incurred as a result of the storm," according to the release. The reimbursement is at the rate of 75 percent.

"We had extraordinary weather this winter — and through smart decisions, we got through it," Malloy said in a statement. "We’re pleased that we were successful in our application. This declaration will provide much needed financial assistance to the state and to the municipalities hardest hit by the January blizzard.”

“I would like to thank President Obama for his continued support during the devastating storms Connecticut has encountered over the last few years," he added. "I also would like to thank Connecticut’s Congressional delegation for their advocacy and support in securing this declaration. Time and again, the President and our federal partners have shown support for Connecticut after extreme weather events.”

All counties across the state and the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nations also are eligible to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for efforts in preventing or minimizing risks associated with natural hazards, the release stated.