Covid-19 updates, State News

FEMA provides over $104.4 million for Covid-19 vaccinations, $46.6 million for state’s hotel/motel program

Vermont will receive $ 104,438,131 from FEMA to support the state with emergency protective measures to store, handle, transport, distribute, and administer the Covid-19 vaccine in accordance with the state vaccination plan. These funds are being awarded to support the Vermont Agency of Human Services in order to address this immediate threat to life and public safety.

The grant supported a total of 13 vaccination centers across the state from Jan. 21-April 21. Along with the emergency protective measures, eligible costs included, but are not limited to, personal protective equipment, medical and support staff, emergency medical care and supplies, and dissemination of information to the public.

The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.

“Through FEMA’s partnership, this critical funding will assist the state in ensuring they have the necessary funds to carry out their vaccination plan,” said Acting Region I Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program is essential to keeping communities safe while responding to the Covid-19 pandemic throughout New England.”

As of April 15, FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program has obligated more than $213 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.

FEMA provides over $46.6 million for the Vermont hotel/motel program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $46,669,040 to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for the state’s hotel/motel vouchers program for individuals who were high risk populations and required non-congregate medical sheltering.

The approved participants in the state program were able to stay in hotels and motels statewide.

Funding for this project comes from FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program under a major disaster declaration for Vermont and is provided at 100% federal cost share.

“We are pleased to provide this grant to the Vermont Agency of Human Services to help it manage the financial demands it is experiencing as a result of Covid-19,” said Ford. “FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is essential to keeping communities safe while responding to the Covid-19 pandemic throughout New England.”

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