Updated at 11:11 p.m.
White House representatives announced on Tuesday that President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Vermont to aid state and local responses to flooding that began on July 9 after Gov. Phil Scott and Vermont’s congressional delegation called on the agency for help.
Following the president’s decision, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have been authorized to coordinate disaster relief efforts in all Vermont counties, providing assistance authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Emergency protective measures will be provided at 75% federal funding and limited to direct federal assistance under the public assistance program, according to the White House announcement.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was scheduled to travel to Vermont from Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to tour the damage with Gov. Phil Scott and other state leaders, according to announcements from state and federal officials.
