$1.6 Million in Disaster Aid Helping Vermont Communities 

Release Date: October 19, 2007
Release Number: 1715-003

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BERLIN, Vt. -- Since the August 3rd federal disaster declaration that Vermont received in response to the July 9-11th storm, a total of $1.6Million has been obligated by FEMA to fund more than 200 Public Assistance projects so far, and federal and state project officers continue to work with local officials in formulating and funding the remaining projects.   Forty-five percent of these projects have included Mitigation, totaling approximately $470K in aid to the affected communities.   

The typical life-cycle of a disaster involves a quick response to provide for basic needs, followed by long-term, large-scale Public Assistance funding to help local governments get back on their feet.

Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA grants state and local governments and eligible nonprofit agencies funds to repair or replace damaged roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities and parks and recreation areas. It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster. FEMA reimburses the applicant 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state and local applicant cover the rest of the cost.

All levels of government have a role in getting the grant money to the applicant for Public Assistance projects. For every applicant, a team with one FEMA member and one state member shepherds the applicant's project or projects through the process. As projects are approved for funding, the state receives the obligated funds as the grants manager and distributes the funds to local governments.

The eligible counties for Public Assistance under the August 3rd federal declaration are Caledonia, Orange, Orleans, Washington, and Windsor Counties.  All counties in the State of Vermont are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 19-Oct-2007 11:54:25