The May storm hammered Vermont. Now President Donald Trump is lending assistance.
On Monday, President Donald Trump approved partial federal reimbursements for the costs incurred by five Vermont counties during severe storms that occurred on May 4 and 5 of this year.
The president declared major disasters in Chittenden, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange and Orleans counties, according to Governor Phil Scott's office.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, identified nearly $1.3 million in public infrastructure damage caused by the storms statewide.
Assistance from the federal government allows municipalities and qualifying nonprofits to receive 75 percent reimbursement for costs incurred for storm response and recovery, the governor's office said. Costs may include power restoration, debris removal, and infrastructure repairs.
"This disaster funding will help communities in these counties with repairs and to strengthen infrastructure to better prevent damage moving forward,” Scott said in a statement.
The governor's office said municipal leaders should begin the process of seeking reimbursement by attending an upcoming applicant briefing, which will outline requirements and best practices for receiving federal assistance. Vermont Emergency Management will soon announce the dates of applicant briefings.
Vermont Emergency Management, Agency of Transportation District personnel and FEMA will aid towns in the application process.
The president's declaration also includes funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for towns, state agencies and approved nonprofits. The program funds mitigation activities, like home buyouts, elevations, flood proofing and the building of bridges and culverts.