Vermont Governor Seeks Disaster Declaration for July Storm

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin is seeking a federal disaster declaration for assistance with repairs to roads and other public infrastructure damaged during a July storm in Windsor and Windham counties.

The July 28 storm pushed rivers over their banks, damaging roads in Chester and other areas. More than $1 million in damages were identified during a preliminary damage assessment.

The declaration would allow communities to be reimbursed for 75 percent of the cost of eligible expenses, including for equipment rentals, equipment fuel and contractors. The request also seeks funding for projects that make improvements to prevent damage from disasters in the future.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the state’s request and then send a recommendation to President Barack Obama.