Vermont Seeks Federal Damage Assessment for Flooding Caused by Hurricane Beryl’s Remains

Vermont is seeking an assessment to determine whether last week’s flooding, which damaged homes, collapsed bridges and destroyed roads, qualifies for a federal disaster declaration and relief.

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Vermont is seeking an assessment to determine whether last week’s floodswhich damaged homes, collapsed bridges and destroyed roads, qualifies for a federal disaster declaration and relief.

Flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl came a year after the state experienced catastrophic floods which left some victims still waiting for home purchases or repairs.

“We know this storm caused tremendous damage to many communities, and those affected will need help to recover,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement Saturday. “That’s why it’s so important for Vermonters to report their damages to help us demonstrate the need for these federal resources.”

Two people died in the floods, including a driver in Lyndonville and a man driving an all-terrain vehicle in Peacham, authorities said.

Some of hardest hit riverside communities were Barre, Hardwick, Lyndonville, Moretown and Plainfield, but the estimated $15 million in damage to roads and other public infrastructure was more widespread. Damage assessments will be done in eight of Vermont’s fourteen counties. A public assistance disaster declaration would provide 75% reimbursement to communities for responding to and repairing public infrastructure damaged by the storm, the governor said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency must verify at least $1.1 million in public infrastructure response and recovery costs for the state to qualify for a major disaster declaration, according to Scott. For counties to qualify, they must show damages of $4.60 per capita, Scott’s office said.

An individual assistance statement would provide some financial assistance to homeowners and renters in the event of property losses. You are encouraged to report property losses by calling 211 or visiting vermont211.org.