Governor Phil Scott’s formal request to President Joseph R. Biden for federal disaster funds, to assist individuals and communities recover from the historic flood from July 7-12, has been approved, Scott said at his press briefing today.

The declaration request asked for funding under the federal Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) programs. Details are due later today, press secretary Jason Maulucci said at noontime.

The approved Public Assistance disaster declaration will allow communities in declared counties to receive at least 75% reimbursement for storm response and recovery, including repairs to public infrastructure. 

The Individual Assistance program will help individuals impacted by the disaster seek reimbursement for necessary expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance. Eligible expenses include rental assistance, home repair, home replacement, and lodging, among other expenses. 

Thursday in downtown Montpelier, a former lobbyist/journalist took a break from helping local businesses clean out to speculate on what they need most to recover: cash. Now.

“They don’t need a loan program, they need cash. They need money. And that’s what FEMA and the state and federal government need to deliver,” said Kevin Ellis, standing at a downtown street corner. Ellis, an East Montpelier resident, is also co-host of WDEV’s Vermont Viewpoint. He reports that WDEV studios in Waterbury have remained open.

Individuals who suffered losses in the storm should report that damage to Vermont 211, either by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting vermont211.org. This data will be used to inform a decision whether the state qualifies for a declaration. Governor Scott’s request was sent to FEMA. FEMA will send a recommendation to President Biden, who has ultimate authority to approve or reject the request. Vermont counties should continue making repairs to public infrastructure, documenting all work carefully for possible future reimbursement.

Eligible reimbursement costs include repair work on public roads and buildings, tree, and debris removal from public rights of way, municipal employee overtime spent working on recovery, contractor help, equipment rentals, and other costs associated with the storm. Click here to view the Governor’s letter to the President.

Scott also directed state agencies and departments to provide specific and temporary regulatory relief to expedite the state’s response to damage resulting from the severe storms.

Under authority provided by the state of emergency, the Governor also is providing certain temporary regulatory relief critical to response and recovery work, including for:

• timely access to gravel and rock fill, asphalt and concrete for road and infrastructure repair;
• facilitating commercial motor vehicle operations needed to support emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, goods, materials, equipment, and fuel into Vermont;
• facilitating transportation of materials and equipment; and
• professional service licensing flexibility.

 For more information, click here to view Addendum 1, Regulatory Relief for Infrastructure Rebuild. The Governor will consider additional regulatory relief and action to ensure the state can promptly respond to the significant damage and rebuilding efforts.