REGION 1 – FEMA approved $12,516,240 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services (VAHS) defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
FEMA funds will reimburse VAHS for emergency measures taken to protect life and property throughout the state. VAHS contracted with hotels/motels to provide non-congregate housing and sheltering for high risk populations by providing a safe place to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet.” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Vermont. Vermont Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Vermont through Vermont Emergency Management,” concluded Webster.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to the State of Vermont and it is the state’s responsibility to work with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met and disburse funding.
The State of Vermont received this funding due to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act declared on April 8, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
###
FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.