U.S. State Dept. accepts Rutland as new site for refugee resettlement

By Patricia Minichiello
Rutland’s application as a new site to bring 100 refugees per year to the city was approved, Wednesday morning, Sept. 28.
Stacie Blake, director of government and community relations at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Washington, sent an email delivering the news.
“We look forward to working with the community to welcome those fleeing war and persecution,” she wrote.
Mayor Christopher Louras said Wednesday he is “delighted” by the news. “I’m proud that the Department of State has the faith in the community to be a host city for people who are fleeing for their lives and looking to rebuild their lives,” he said.
The mayor said he’s in the process of forming a cabinet and will announce the names once all seven members are confirmed.
Patricia Minichiello is a freelance reporter and editor of vtpresspass.com. She can be reached at vtpresspass@gmail.com.