[P]resident Donald Trump has signed a disaster declaration for five Vermont counties that suffered major damage from early May storms.
Chittenden, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange and Orleans Counties are now eligible for federal aid, according to a news release issued by the governor’s office on Monday.
To qualify for public infrastructure disaster assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, also known as FEMA, needs to confirm $1 million in damage to bridges, roads and other public property. The standard also includes a $3.68 per capita threshold to qualify communities.
FEMA officials identified almost $1.3 million in damage for storms on May 4 and 5 during a preliminary assessment. This qualifies the state to receive funding.
The two-day period of storms in May brought up to 6 inches of rain to some areas of Vermont, causing widespread flooding. The weather disaster resulted in infrastructure damage.
FEMA has declared 12 disasters in Vermont since 2010, including Tropical Storm Irene.
The declaration signed by Trump allows municipalities and public utilities in those counties to receive 75 percent federal reimbursement for storm response recovery. This includes costs for debris removal, power restoration, repairs to public roads, bridges and infrastructure damaged as a result of the storm.
In a statement on Monday, Gov. Phil Scott said a quick response to disasters is critical for Vermont communities, and pointed to the Colchester Causeway repair project as an example. The bike route was closed due to storm damage, but managed to reopen before the start of the tourist season.
“I want to thank our State and Federal partners for moving swiftly to respond to the early May storm. This disaster funding will help communities in these counties with repairs and to strengthen infrastructure to better prevent damage moving forward,” Scott said.
Briefings are expected to be held soon by Vermont Emergency Management for municipal officials, which will outline the requirements and process for applying for the funding.
