Governor requests Federal Disaster Declaration for July 10-11 storm

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has made a formal request for a federal disaster declaration which would bring federal resources to individuals and communities recovering from the July 10 and 11 flooding event. The declaration requests funding under the federal Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) programs.

The state is requesting Public Assistance and Individual Assistance in Addison, Orleans, Washington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Essex counties. It also includes a request for only Public Assistance in Orange County.

“Flooding on July 10 and 11 devastated many of the same areas that were impacted by last summer’s flood, destroying infrastructure, homes, and property,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Although FEMA assistance won’t make towns and homeowners whole for the repair costs, if approved, this will help lessen their financial burden – help that is desperately needed for these communities and households.”

A federal assessment verified more than $5.5 million in damage to public infrastructure. This figure is only a partial estimate to show the state meets the minimum qualification for a disaster declaration. The total cost to repair damages will be much higher. 

If approved, a Public Assistance disaster declaration would allow communities in declared counties to receive 75% reimbursement for storm response and recovery, including repairs to public infrastructure.

The Individual Assistance program would help individuals impacted by the disaster seek some reimbursement for damages to personal property, emergency expenses, and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance. Eligible expenses include rental assistance, home repair, home replacement, and lodging, among others.

Governor Scott’s request was sent to FEMA who will provide a recommendation to President Biden, who has ultimate authority to approve or reject the request.

Individuals who suffered losses in the storm should continue to clean and rebuild, taking photos of before, during, and after repairs. Homeowners and renters should also keep records of all expenditures and a list of personal property losses. Losses should still be reported to Vermont 211, either by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting vermont211.org.

Vermont towns should continue making repairs to public infrastructure, documenting all work carefully for possible future reimbursement. Eligible reimbursement costs include repair work on public roads and buildings, tree and debris removal from public rights of way, municipal employee overtime spent working on recovery, contractor help, equipment rentals, and other storm-related costs.

Click here to view the Governor’s letter to the President.

Sanders, Welch, Balint Urge Biden to Quickly Approve Disaster Declaration to Help Vermont Recover from Severe Flooding

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) wrote Saturday to President Biden urging him to quickly approve the Major Disaster Declaration request issued formally today by Governor Phil Scott. This disaster declaration would bring critical federal resources to Vermont to help individuals and communities recover after devastating flooding this summer.

As too many Vermonters are still struggling to recover from the historic floods of July 2023, the Delegation’s letter also calls on Biden to expedite all outstanding Public Assistance reimbursements, Hazard Mitigation projects, and buyouts from 2023 disasters.

“We write in strong support of Governor Scott’s Major Disaster Declaration request to address the severe flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl that occurred July 9–11, 2024 — exactly one year after the most catastrophic flooding Vermont has seen in nearly a century,” wrote Sanders, Welch, and Balint.

“Vermont has experienced 15 federally declared natural disasters since 2014, including three floods in 2023 alone,” the Delegation concluded. “These extreme weather events have devastated Vermont communities, who have not been able to recover from previous disasters before the next one hits…We ask that you act swiftly and bring all available federal resources to bear — including immediately expediting reimbursements from 2023 — to enable Vermont to fully recover from the devastation wrought over the last 12 months.”

The declaration requests Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) for Addison, Orleans, Washington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Essex counties. It also includes a request for Public Assistance in Orange County. If approved, a PA disaster declaration would allow communities in declared counties to receive 75% reimbursement for storm response and recovery. An IA approval would help Vermonters seek reimbursement for damages to personal property, emergency expenses, and other serious needs, including rental assistance, home repair, home replacement, and lodging.

Today’s disaster declaration request comes after an initial damage assessment of impacted communities was completed – a required step in determining what federal funding the state could qualify for. This request is only for the flooding that occurred between July 9-11, as a separate request is needed for the more recent flooding. Individuals and towns should continue to document and report their flood damage and losses to Vermont 211.

In July, the Delegation also called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to quickly approve Scott’s USDA disaster declaration request to support Vermont farms that were impacted by the floods.

Read the full letter to President Biden, here.

Source: 8.3.2024. Governor. 109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov

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