Rutland and Windsor are among them
President Joseph Biden has signed a major public assistance disaster declaration for seven Vermont counties to assist communities in recovering costs for the repair of public infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding on Dec. 18-19, 2023.
The declaration covers Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor counties.
Governor Phil Scott requested the declaration in February, stating: “I appreciate the federal government’s quick response to the flooding disasters we’ve faced over the last several months. Between the July, August and December flooding, we have a long road ahead and my team will continue to do all we can to help with recovery, and support mitigation that will better secure communities in the future.”
Cities and towns in the declared counties now qualify for 75% reimbursement of recovery costs arising from the storm under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program. Eligible costs include debris removal, road and public building repairs, staff overtime responding to and cleaning up after the storm, and contractor assistance.
State and federal assessors identified more than $1.9 million in storm-eligible costs during a preliminary damage assessment in December, although the final tally will likely be higher statewide.
