Vermont is set to receive emergency federal relief dollars to respond to damage arising from Tropical Depression Debby, which blew through the Green Mountain State on Friday, Aug. 9, and left thousands without power over the weekend.
Thanks to the federal disaster declaration — announced Friday morning by President Joe Biden — the Federal Emergency Management Agency will coordinate and provide impacted Vermonters across all 14 counties resources to “save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe,” according to an Aug. 9 press release from FEMA.
“Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency,” the press release said.
Which counties are covered by the disaster declaration?
Under the declaration, Caledonia, Essex, Orange and Windsor counties are eligible for “direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care” that will cover 75% of emergency-related costs.
Vermont’s other 10 counties — Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orleans, Rutland, Washington and Windham — also qualify for 75% coverage but only for direct federal assistance.
Vermont’s third disaster declaration of the year
Friday’s announcement marks Vermont’s third disaster declaration this year and the fifth within the last 15 months. 2024’s first disaster declaration occurred in March and targeted damages acquired from severe flooding and storms in mid-December. FEMA approved a second disaster declaration just over a month later to address consequences of the January storms that wiped out power in five Vermont counties.
Vermont government officials are also seeking a federal disaster declaration for the July 29-30 floods that devastated the Northeast Kingdom.
Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.
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Publish date : 2024-08-12 08:31:00
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