Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is on the way for towns and public utilities impacted by the severe winter storm of January 9-13, 2024, and Applicant Briefings have been scheduled for eligible communities (details below). On April 19, President Biden declared Vermont’s January storm as disaster DR-4770, clearing the way for federal recovery reimbursement for eligible towns and utilities in five (5) counties: Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, and Orleans.
Starting on January 9, high winds cut power to thousands of Vermonters. In late January, the Federal Emergency Management Agency validated at least $2.3 million in damages, exceeding Vermont’s minimum Public Assistance threshold of $1.2 million.
The State Public Assistance Officer will be conducting Applicants briefings for towns, state agencies and private nonprofits which incurred damages of $3,900 or more per facility. The FEMA Public Assistance program provides federal financial recovery assistance at 75% federal cost share for utility damages, road repairs, debris clearance, and emergency response. This program is not for individual homeowners or business owners.
Towns and other entities intending to apply for federal reimbursement have 30 days from the declaration date (until May 18) to submit a Request for Public Assistance to FEMA, and should attend an applicant briefing. Applicant’s briefings will be held virtually on Monday, April 29th at 9 am, and at the Vermont Electric COOP in Johnson (42 Wescom Road) on Wednesday, May 1st at 9:30 am. Please contact Public Assistance Coordinator Kim Canarecci at kim.canarecci@vermont.gov if you would like to attend either briefing.