Gov. Phil Scott has asked the federal government for a disaster declaration in eight of the state’s counties after the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl caused severe flooding last month.
The governor had previously requested a storm damage assessment — a preliminary step in securing a federal disaster declaration, which, if granted, could unlock aid for the state, municipalities and residents.
That assessment confirmed that the storm, which swept through Vermont on July 10 and 11, caused at least $5.5 million in public infrastructure damage. According to the governor’s office, that figure is a “partial estimate,” and the actual total will significantly exceed that.
The state is seeking both public and individual assistance in Addison, Orleans, Washington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Essex counties. In Orange County, it is only seeking public assistance.
Individual assistance could provide homeowners and renters with financial assistance due to property loss. Public assistance could provide up to 75% reimbursement to municipalities for storm-related costs, including repairs to public roads and buildings, tree and debris removal, and labor-related expenses.
“Although FEMA assistance won’t make towns and homeowners whole for the repair costs, if approved, this will help lessen their financial burden — help that is desperately needed for these communities and households,” Scott said in a statement Saturday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the state’s request before making a recommendation to President Joe Biden, who will decide whether to grant it.
State officials are continuing to urge residents to document any storm damage they experienced and report it to Vermont 211.
Scott on Friday also asked FEMA to conduct a storm damage assessment for flooding that hit the Northeast Kingdom on July 30 and 31.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated when Vermont experienced the after-effects of Tropical Storm Beryl.
