Vermont calls on FEMA to assess storm damage as it seeks federal aid

FILE - The remains of an eight unit apartment building that locals call the Heartbreak Hotel are in Plainfield, Vermont, on July 12, 2024, after flood waters and debris caused by the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl pulled several of the apartments into the Great Brook waterway. Vermont is seeking a federal assessment to determine whether last week’s flooding, which damaged homes, knocked out bridges and washed out roads, qualifies for a federal disaster declaration and aid. (AP... AP — Ted Shaffrey

August Thompson walks over the washed out remains of the road in front of his grandfather's home after remnants of Hurricane Beryl caused flooding and destruction, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Plainfield, Vt. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa

Two men dig out an SUV stuck in the mud along Hudson Avenue after remnants of Hurricane Beryl caused flooding and destruction, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Plainfield, Vt. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa

By PAUL HEINTZ

VTDigger

Published: 07-15-2024 5:01 PM

The state of Vermont on Saturday filed a formal request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a preliminary damage assessment related to last week’s catastrophic storm. Such an assessment would help determine whether the state is eligible for a major disaster declaration and corresponding aid.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl swept through Vermont late Wednesday and early Thursday, leading to two deaths and causing major flood damage in communities across central and northern parts of the state. Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday renewed a state of emergency designation as the storm arrived, but the federal government has yet to declare the event a disaster.

According to Scott’s office, the state has requested assessments for both public and individual assistance. If granted, the former could provide 75% reimbursement to government entities for work responding to the storm and repairing public infrastructure. Counties that could qualify, Scott’s office said, included Addison, Orleans, Washington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange and Essex.

The feds would have to verify at least $1.183 million in response and infrastructure costs to qualify for public assistance, Scott’s office said, while individual counties would have to demonstrate damages of $4.60 per capita.

An individual assistance declaration could qualify some homeowners and renters for financial assistance due to property loss. To reach the threshold for that designation, Scott’s office said, Vermonters must report damage to a state hotline.

At a press conference Friday, Scott administration officials urged those whose property was damaged to make such reports — by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.vermont211.org — even if they did not want assistance or did not think they were entitled to aid. Doing so helps the state increase its damage assessments and qualify for federal assistance.

“We know this storm has done tremendous damage in many communities, and those impacted will need help to recover,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a written statement Saturday. “That’s why it’s so critical for Vermonters to report their damage to help us demonstrate the need for these federal resources.”

At Friday’s press conference, though, Scott also encouraged Vermonters to keep their expectations in check.

Article continues after...