by Guy Page
Quick hits from the Scott administration’s flood recovery press conference this morning…..
From 2-8 pm today, Vermont can expect 2-3 inches of rain, high winds, and some flash flooding.
State employees may volunteer up to eight hours a week on flood relief, while receiving full pay.
Redesigned Vermont Strong license plates will be available soon, with proceeds going to flood recovery.
Flood damage reported:
- Buildings in six school districts have sustained major flood damage, 12 minor damage.
- Three wastewater facilities have been damaged. Use caution entering state waters, even as flood waters have subsided.
- As of yesterday morning, 2317 homes on 794 properties are reported damaged, with the number growing daily.
It’s crucial to report property damage to 2-1-1, Gov. Phil Scott and administration officials said. The more damage incidents Vermonters report, the more federal $$ to “build back better than ever,” Public Safety Commissioner Jen Morrison said. The 2-1-1 backlog has been reduced by adding more workers and computer services.
Orange and Caledonia counties are now eligible for federal disaster relief.
Flood resource centers will soon open in Rutland and Waterbury, joining centers in Barre and other communities.
The State will advance 40 of the hardest flood-hit communities a total of $11 million in scheduled state payments to local government.
Several state tax deadlines scheduled for July and September have been extended to November 15.
Agency of Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts reported that the federal government has approved a statewide natural disaster for the May hard frost. A statewide ag emergency is in the works for the 9000 acres have been reported flooded this month.
Barre Auditorium and Northern Vermont University – Johnson residential shelters remain open and in use. Other unused shelters are not closed but are on standby.