MONTPELIER, Va. (AP) — President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for the severe flooding that hit northeastern Vermont in late July.
The declaration makes federal funding available to help communities and individuals in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties recover from damage from the July 29-31 storm, some of which were hit by flooding for the second time in three weeks, Gov. Phil Scott’s office said. said Friday.
“This is our third disaster declaration in just over a month and the seventh in 14 months,” Scott said in a statement. “This disaster declaration will provide much-needed funding for cities and individuals as they continue to recover from the impacts of this storm.”
An initial assessment found 85 homes destroyed or damaged, and a partial federal assessment found more than $3.7 million in damage to public infrastructure, according to the governor’s office.
Individuals can seek reimbursement for essential expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other assistance, including rental assistance, home repairs, home replacement, lodging and other costs, Scott’s office said. Communities can seek federal reimbursement for storm response and recovery.
