View a town-by-town breakdown of FEMA Irene assistance at VPR's Mapping the MoneyProject.
The State is accepting a final round of applications for FEMA funding to pay for projects that would reduce the risk of future flood damage.
So far FEMA has approved $14.7 million in ‘Hazard Mitigation’ grants to recover from Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont. Most of that has gone to buy flood damaged homes and a few businesses. Now, another $11 million is available for more buyouts and other projects.
“We can do home elevations, relocation of structures out of the flood way,” said Ray Doherty, Vermont’s Hazard Mitigation Officer. “We can do stream bank reinforcement, outreach and education. There’s a broad range of activities that can be funded under the Mitigation Grant Programs.”
The funding can also pay for public infrastructure projects, flood mitigation plans and education programs focused on the risk of flooding inside river corridors. Doherty said the funding could also pay to flood-proof critical public buildings, such as police and fire stations.
Doherty said the state will submit all applications that meet FEMA’s eligibility criteria.
“We’re not screening out any one type of project,” he said. “We’re looking for any and all eligible projects by FEMA standards, which we’re going to forward to FEMA for final approval.”
Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA has approved the purchase of nearly 95 flood-damaged properties, so far. The state has closed on seven of them.
The state is providing technical support for towns and agencies that are preparing the applications, which are due July 12th.
This is expected to be the final round of applications for FEMA flood mitigation funds following Tropical Storm Irene.
