President Donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for state of Vermont for flooding from storms that damaged infrastructure around the state between June 29 and July 1.
Municipalities and public utilities in seven counties—Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Orange, Rutland, Washington, and Windsor—will now be able to get federal reimbursement for 75 percent of costs for replacing damaged infrastructure.
“This declaration will provide much-needed financial relief for the communities that that were affected and continue to have significant cleanup and repairs to complete after this storm,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement.
“I commend the local and state officials and work crews for their recovery efforts, and thank our federal partners, including FEMA and the White House staff, for their responsiveness,” he said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has given a preliminary estimate of $4.7 million in public infrastructure damage in the seven counties. However, Scott’s office said in a press release that the final tally of damages would likely be higher.
As part of the flooding, a sinkhole opened on Interstate 89 near White River Junction, and several other roads and railroads were washed out. Several cars slid off the road because of hazardous conditions, but there were no deaths reported.
Municipalities and public utilities have until Sept. 15 to apply for FEMA funding. More information is available here.
