BURLINGTON, VT — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated more than $2.6 million in federal assistance to the state of Vermont to help cover costs of the Oct. 29-30, 2017, severe storm and flooding that impacted 10 of the 14 counties in the Green Mountain State.
In early January 2018, President Donald Trump approved Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s request for federal assistance, issuing a major disaster declaration. Since then, FEMA has been working with state and local officials providing federal dollars under its Public Assistance (PA) program to eligible public entities in Addison, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington and Windham counties.
The federal money for this disaster assists in the support of first responders who worked hard to ensure Vermonters’ safety, and helps reimburse entities for their costs when clearing downed trees, removing debris from roadways, and making repairs to damaged infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and certain private nonprofits that provide community services.
Although FEMA’s grants go to entities such as local governments and nonprofits, the PA program is intended to benefit everyone in affected Vermont communities.