0
0
More than 750 Vermonters say that their homes have become uninhabitable because of flooding. State and federal officials urge residents to immediately report the damage if not done so, in order to get a true picture.
Jennifer Morrison, commissioner of public safety, said that as of Thursday, the Vermont 2-1-1 Hotline received 4,290 phone calls regarding flooding.
Morrison stated that more than one-third of these 2-1-1 calls originate in Washington County. Windsor County is responsible for 13%, while Lamoille County makes up 9%.
Which areas in Vermont were the hardest hit by July’s flooding?
Morrison says that 181 out of 392 uninhabitable reports received by Lamoille county are not livable.
Residents learned on Thursday that Orleans County was added to the counties which are eligible for assistance.
William Roy, who is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Vermont coordinator, says that the counties in question are eligible for assistance.
In declared counties suffering damage “directly related to the storm,” residents should first call 2-1-1, then contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, or visit disasterassistance.gov.
FEMA can provide extra assistance for individuals who have received assistance before but have had their circumstances change since then, like having to move out of their home due to mold.
Vermont Public, VTDigger and Vermont Public explain the FEMA flood aid program for Vermont homeowners.
FEMA offers four different disaster recovery centers for residents who were denied help but now have flood problems.
All 14 counties in Vermont are eligible to receive FEMA reimbursement for emergency protective measures that “save and sustain life.”
Roy says that 11 counties receive assistance to repair public infrastructure such as bridges, roads, culverts and municipal buildings.
Next week, the state will start accepting applications for its $20 million grant program to help flood victims. Financial assistance should arrive in seven or ten days.
Gov. Phil Scott described this initiative as the first step in a long-term, well-funded recovery effort.
He said that the $20 million would not even be close to covering all of the businesses affected or meeting their needs. We know that it is important to act as quickly as we can.
The grants will go to businesses and non-profits who need money to get people “back to work” or to resume their operations.
Joan Goldstein, commissioner of Economic Development at the Department of State, said that grants would be up to $20,000 and will equal 20% “net documented damages.”
Goldstein says that inventory, equipment, building supplies and space can be considered as damages for which grant funds are available. The state subtracts offsetting assistance, including flood insurance, private fundraising, and grant programs, when calculating the “net documented damages”.
According to the state, the cap on grants may be raised for large businesses that have suffered damages exceeding $1 million.
Flood-affected farmers will be eligible for 5% of the overall funding.
For more information about our comprehensive water management services and how we can help you effectively deal with water-related challenges, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert team. We are here to address any questions you may have and provide you with detailed insights into the water solutions we offer.
From water damage restoration, waterproofing, flood and water damage restoration to water drainage systems and flood prevention, our experienced professionals are well-equipped to handle a wide range of water-related issues. Whether it’s addressing water leaks, managing stormwater, or implementing sustainable water conservation practices, we use the latest technologies and industry best practices to protect your property and ensure efficient water management.
To learn more about our services or to discuss customized water management strategies tailored to your specific needs, please visit our website at https://www.imperial-restoration.ca/. Our dedicated customer support team is available to assist you, offering guidance and support to ensure you have a seamless and effective experience with our water management services.
Your property’s protection and environmental responsibility are our top priorities. Reach out to us today and discover why we are the trusted choice for water management solutions in Toronto. Let us work together to effectively manage water resources, prevent water damage, and create a sustainable water management plan that benefits both you and the environment.
