Funding will support the restoration of Vermont Studio Center’s Kahn Studio, railroad, and energy infrastructure replacement
Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) has announced the delivery of $4,042,993 in federal disaster recovery funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding was awarded to the Vermont Studio Center, the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans), and the Washington Electric Cooperative to support recovery, restoration, and mitigation efforts following the floods of July 2023 and 2024.
“We know all too well that recovering from a disaster is a long, arduous process—I’m proud to announce that more FEMA funding is on the way to our state. This federal funding will support recovery efforts for the Green Mountain Railroad and other transportation and energy infrastructure in our communities, and help replace a world-renowned cultural arts center in Vermont,” said Senator Welch. “This federal funding is essential as businesses, communities, and our state rebuild after the floods, stronger and more resilient.”
“We are profoundly grateful for the support from FEMA and our congressional delegation. This marks an important milestone in Vermont Studio Center’s recovery from the devastating 2023 flood, ensuring that we can restore what was lost but also strengthening VSC for the future. It allows us to continue to be an economic driver for Johnson as we provide artists and writers from around the world with the time, space, and community they need to further their work,” said Hope Sullivan, Executive Director of the Vermont Studio Center.
The federal funding announced includes:
- $1,890,460.99 to the Vermont Studio Center to replace VSC’s Wolf Kahn Barn art studio in Johnson. The studio was destroyed in the July 2023 floods.
- $1,860,052.84 to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to restore segments of the Green Mountain Railroad damaged in the July 2023 floods. The flooding caused embankment failure and severe washout. This funding will support completed and ongoing recovery efforts along the railroad, as well as hazard mitigation measures to reduce the risk of future damage.
- $161,812.50 to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to fund embankment, culvert, and other surface repair and replacement efforts following the July 2024 floods.
- $130,666.70 to the Washington Electric Cooperative to fund pole and transformer repair and replacement efforts following the July 2024 floods.
Following Vermont’s catastrophic flooding in 2023 and 2024, Senator Welch championed the passage of more than $100 billion in disaster recovery funds to support Vermont and other disaster-impacted states. The comprehensive disaster relief bill contained many of Senator Welch’s top priorities for Vermont: Support for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF); dedicated help for flood-impacted farmers; flexible spending through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery fund; and low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help businesses and homeowners recover, among other resources.
6.9.2026. Welch.
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