Major Disaster Declaration

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Created on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 18:34
Written by Jessie Slater

grant meetingLYNDONVILLE- Vermont state Governor Peter Shumlin, announced that President Barack Obama has signed a major disaster declaration. The numerous counties that suffered from public infrastructure damages during December's ice storm are now eligible for relief.

 Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Orleans county are under the declaration which allows the communities, and municipal, and COOP utilities to receive 75 percent reimbursement for debris removal and repairs. Repairs include the power grid, public roads, bridges, and other ground work.

"This declaration is crucial in assisting communities hit by ice storm to recover some of the extensive costs of cleanup and power restoration," Gov. Shumlin said.

 A preliminary damage assessment started on January 2nd identified more than $3 million in damages in Vermont's seven northern counties. The seven counties showed more than the minimum of 3 dollars and 50 cents per capita required to receive the deposition. Communities and Municipal and COOP utilities will be reimbursed for equipment rentals, the cost of fuel, the contractors assistance, employees tied directly to storm response and restoration, and other expenses.

The change in weather could mean a change in funds, Kim Canarecci the Vermont Public Assistance Officer explained that FEMA has limitations, "They go by the policy where if it's not a record snow fall event, which it was not,  then they consider sanding and salting normal activities...unfortunately, under the federal program its ineligible for an ice disaster...it would have been for a snow storm."

Towns have to submit their applications for a grant by the end of the month.