The Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA has opened disaster recovery centers in Vermont communities that were severely impacted by the flooding in mid-July. Governor Phil Scott announced on Wednesday that he is seeking another federal disaster declaration for additional flooding that occurred at the end of July.
Last week, President Joe Biden approved Vermont’s request for a major disaster declaration for the flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl from July 9-11. This approval allows federal funds to help residents and communities recover. The storm brought over 6 inches of rain in just a few hours, causing significant damage in parts of Vermont. Many residents are still waiting for assistance from similar catastrophic floods that happened last year on the same date.
The state is also offering $7 million in grants to businesses affected by this year’s flooding. This is in addition to the $5 million approved earlier this year to assist those impacted by the 2023 storms who did not receive grants from the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program last year.
Governor Scott emphasized that while federal and state resources are crucial, they are not enough to cover all costs or make people whole again. He noted that the repeated flooding has been financially draining for both municipalities and families, especially for those affected multiple times in the past year.
Scott shared that he has been visiting communities like Lyndon, Plainfield, and Hardwick, hearing firsthand the challenges faced by residents in smaller and rural towns hit by both storms this July.
FEMA representatives are now in all seven counties, reaching out to flood victims. FEMA has opened disaster recovery centers in Barre, Plainfield, and Waterbury, with plans to open more in Lyndon, Addison County, and Orleans County. FEMA coordinator William Roy encouraged flood victims to register with FEMA online, by phone, or by visiting one of the centers.
The state grants for businesses and nonprofits will cover 30% of net uncovered damages. Applications for these grants open Thursday morning. Properties that received funding last year but still need help may also be eligible for the new funding.
Currently, FEMA is operating under “immediate needs funding” until Congress passes a budget. This limits support for public assistance projects but allows for life-saving measures and individual assistance programs.
Roy also mentioned that housing or rental assistance and repair funding are available for eligible residents in the affected counties. FEMA can help underinsured or uninsured residents with disaster-related expenses.
FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance team has visited over 2,400 homes, and 375 Vermonters have requested home inspections, with 235 inspections completed so far. Additionally, more than 500 residents have applied for individual assistance, and the Small Business Administration has approved over $78,000 in disaster loans as of Tuesday.