Governor Peter Shumlin today forwarded a formal request for a federal disaster declaration in Windsor and Windham Counties for public infrastructure damage suffered during the storm of July 28. A Public Assistance disaster declaration would allow communities in those counties to receive at least 75 percent reimbursement for repairs to public roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged in the floods.
The intense storm at the end of July caused several rivers and streams to spill their banks, damaging several roads. Road crews in communities around Windsor and Windham Counties had all roads open within a few days, but a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) identified more than the $1 million in damages Vermont is required to show to qualify for a declaration. Windsor County showed damages in excess of the county indicator threshold that would qualify for assistance. It appears that Windham County fell just short of the threshold, but is listed in the request in order to count toward the $1 million statewide threshold.
If the disaster declaration is granted, communities will be reimbursed for 75 percent of the cost of eligible work. Eligible expenses include equipment rentals (and fuel for that equipment), the cost of contractor assistance, employee overtime tied directly to storm response and restoration, and other expenses.
The request was sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review. FEMA will then send a recommendation to President Barack Obama, who will have ultimate authority to approve or reject the request.
The application also seeks funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The federal HMGP program provides 75% reimbursement for projects that reduce the likelihood of damages to public infrastructure in future disasters.
Vermont communities seeking more information on the federal Public Assistance program can visit: http://vem.vermont.gov/publicassistance
For more on Hazard Mitigation in Vermont visit: http://vem.vermont.gov/mitigation
Sign up for Vermont Alert to receive press releases, weather updates, and other advisories. To sign up visit https://users.vtalert.gov/