President Joe Biden on Monday approved Vermont’s request for federal disaster assistance for seven Vermont counties following major flooding in December, according to Gov. Phil Scott’s office.
Municipalities in Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Windham and Windsor counties now qualify for federal reimbursement of 75% of the costs associated with flood recovery — such as debris removal, road and public building repairs, staff overtime, and contractor assistance.
State and federal assessors found at least $1.9 million in storm-eligible costs during a preliminary survey in December, though the final number is expected to increase, according to a press release issued by Scott’s office.
“I appreciate the Federal government’s quick response to the flooding disasters we’ve faced over the last several months,” Scott said in a written statement. “Between the July, August and December flooding, we have a long road ahead and my team will continue to do all we can to help with recovery, and support mitigation that will better secure communities in the future.”
Last month, Scott requested disaster assistance for the Dec. 18-19 floods, marking his third major disaster declaration request for 2023. According to Vermont Emergency Management Director Eric Forand, three such requests in a year is unusual.
“But again, Mother Nature dictates that, not us,” Forand said. “So we are here to help and assist and coordinate the efforts and ensure that the municipalities are working towards what they need. And you never know when the next one is going to come. So we always prepare for the next one, as well.”
Forand said another request for a major disaster declaration is likely imminent related to storms that took place Jan. 9-13. However, he said Vermont’s first major disaster declaration of 2024 would likely focus on a smaller portion of the state.
“A lot of the money that will come in from the July event will be put towards mitigation efforts,” Forand said. “So trying to reduce the damages that happen from these events, knowing that they will happen, but trying to mitigate the effect of them to ensure that Vermonters are able to be more resilient and get back on their feet more quickly.”
Read the story on VTDigger here: Joe Biden approves disaster declaration for Vermont’s December flooding.