Federal Disaster Aid Ordered For Vermont Flood Recovery
Release Date: July 12, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-107
» More Information on Vermont Severe Storms and Flooding
Washington, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid was made available today for Vermont to help people and communities recover from a recent bout of flooding rains that hit the northern tier of the state, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from severe storms and flooding that occurred over the period of June 5-13.
Immediately after the President's action, Allbaugh designated the counties of Caledonia, Franklin, Lamoille and Orleans eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Allbaugh said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments to pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for restoring damaged public facilities in the counties of Caledonia, Essex, Franklin and Orleans. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Allbaugh indicated that additional counties may be designated for aid later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. He named Thomas P. Davies of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Davies said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Saturday, July 13, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice
Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-Sep-2003 09:04:41