Communities in Addison and Rutland counties could recover some of the money spent repairing public infrastructure following severe flooding in early August if the federal government approves a request from Gov. Phil Scott.
Scott made the request Wednesday to President Joe Biden for a major disaster declaration, according to a press release from the governor’s office. The declaration, if granted, would make available Federal Emergency Management Agency funding through its Public Assistance Program to both counties for expenses incurred from Aug. 3 to 5.
Municipalities could be reimbursed for 75% of funds spent on such expenses as debris removal, road and public building repairs, and staff overtime related to the flood, according to the release.
Following a presidential disaster declaration, FEMA may provide public and individual assistance. The latter benefits individuals and families who suffered losses in a disaster. Scott’s request calls for public assistance, not individual assistance.
“For Addison and Rutland counties, the severe storms and flooding from early August compounded the impacts of July flooding and rainfall, overwhelming state and local resources,” Scott said in the release. “Municipal budgets are stretched thin as towns work to recover from these additional storms, and another disaster declaration is needed to help address infrastructure damage that is not covered by the July disaster declaration.”
Federal assessors have identified more than $1.2 million in program-eligible costs incurred by public entities in Addison and Rutland counties, according to the governor’s office.
Because the incident period for the July declaration closed before the August incidents, a separate declaration was necessary, after the threshold was met.
The declaration request also seeks funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which can be used to provide 75% reimbursement for projects anywhere in the state that reduce the likelihood of damage to public infrastructure in future disasters.
The request was sent to FEMA for review. The agency is expected to make a recommendation and then send it to Biden for a final decision.
