Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont Senate passed S.213, the Flood Safety Act, on a voice vote. The bill passed second reading yesterday on a tripartisan vote of 24-4-2. This bill will help reduce the risk of future flood damage by addressing dam safety, improving the state’s approach to development in river corridors and wetlands, and making watersheds more resilient in the face of the climate crisis. Without these important changes, the risks to Vermonters living in flood-prone areas remain unaddressed.
“With more frequent flooding events on the horizon, I’m proud to advance S.213 which will help Vermont build climate resilience and reduce flood-related damages in Vermont’s communities,” said Senator Baruth. “As Vermont continues to rebuild and recover from the devastating floods of 2023, we must do everything in our power to rebuild smarter and stronger with resilience against future flooding events at the forefront.”
Data released by Vermont Emergency Management indicate that 2023 flooding events caused damage to over 4,000 homes and 800 businesses and led to over $200 million in damage to public infrastructure. This bill will help mitigate future flood risks by improving dam safety, wetland mapping and reporting and improving the management of high-hazard river corridors.
“By improving the state’s approach to development in river corridors and wetlands and management of watersheds, Vermont will be more resilient in the face of the climate crisis,” said Senator Bray, Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and lead sponsor of the bill. “I’m proud to advance a bill that prioritizes Vermont’s resilience against the future flooding events we know will continue to be more frequent.”
You can learn more about S.213, the Flood Safety Act, on the legislative website.
Source: 3.21.20024. MONTPELIER, VT – Office of the President Pro Tempore