By Guy Page
Towns hit hardest by the July 10 flash floods are facing steep repair bills with no federal help after President Donald Trump denied Vermont’s request for a disaster declaration, the Caledonian-Record reports.
In an October 29 news story by reporter Paul Hayes headlined “Towns mull options after disaster declaration declined,” the Northeast Kingdom daily newspaper reported that without access to Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, communities like Sutton and Burke must find other ways to pay for extensive road and bridge repairs.
Sutton faces more than $3 million in damage. Town Clerk Patti McClure said the town has already spent over $600,000 and still needs costly box culverts and a full replacement of the Pudding Hill Road bridge, estimated at $2 million. The Select Board will meet Thursday to consider seeking state assistance.
In Burke, repair costs are approaching $400,000, according to Select Board Chair Mark Daigle. The town is looking to organizations such as the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Northeastern Vermont Development Association for help, while hoping the state will create an aid program for the hardest-hit communities.
Daigle said the board is combing through the town budget to redirect existing funds, which may mean pausing long-deferred roadwork and tapping bridge reserves. Budget adjustments could also affect next year’s spending plan as officials work to avoid raising taxes.
Vermont’s congressional delegation sharply criticized the White House decision, calling it political. Gov. Phil Scott said the state will not appeal. A federal declaration would have reimbursed 75 percent of eligible repair costs.
Not just politics? Vermont allegedly mismanaged FEMA contracts
Trump’s post about which states would be receiving disaster aid was explicitly rewarding states that voted for him in 2024. Vermont didn’t, choosing Democrat Joseph Biden by more than two votes to one.
However, Trump’s action could be seen as consistent with his pledge to not financially support states that are not following his executive orders regarding border security and DEI. And there’s also serious questions about Vermont’s financial management of past flood recovery funds.
As reported by in a Journal-Opinion news story republished on VDC earlier this week, headlined Vermont’s lost FEMA funding, the Trump administration decision came just a few days after the news site Grist reported that Vermont lost track of millions in FEMA funding it received for July 2024 flooding as the state burned through cash faster than anticipated. Vague contract terms, pricey consultants, and poor oversight appear to be at least some of the culprits. Details are in the JO story linked above.