Snow, ice, and rain storms are a fact of life in Vermont. Most of the time they are only a minor annoyance, and can even be enjoyable to sit back and watch.

 

However, as we all know, those storms and other weather phenomena can be a major headache. Wind and ice can and do at times take down trees, blocking roads, causing power outages and even damaging buildings. Heavy rain can lead to flooding or wash out a road in just a few minutes under the right conditions.

 

Recovering from a storm often requires resources, both financial and in the form of labor, which in turn takes up more financial resources. At times, the scope of damage reaches a point where a federal disaster is declared, allowing jurisdictions to apply for federal aid to pay for repairs; compensating municipal workers for overtime, and pay for outside contractors.

 

To qualify for federal aid, the state of Vermont needs to meet eligibility requirements. The first such requirement is for communities throughout the state to incur damages to public infrastructure at a rate of $1.25 per capita, or in Vermont about $1-million. A county also needs to meet a threshold of approximately $3.25 per capita (that number is approximate and is often changed by the federal government).

 

To meet these requirements, it is vital for all communities to record ALL damage to public infrastructure thoroughly. Public infrastructure generally includes roads and public buildings like town halls, town garages, schools, and libraries, among others. It also includes overtime paid to town or city workers for recovery, and can pay for outside contractors to assist.

 

Cities and towns should also note damage to private property. A federal declaration could also be made to include private property; however, this threshold is extremely difficult to meet and Vermont has not qualified for this type of assistance in recent memory. However, this damage can be used to illustrate the scope of damage in any request for federal assistance to the state, and Small Business Administration loans may also be available if the damage to private property is significant.

 

All of these damages can be reported by simply going to the Vermont Emergency Management web site at www.vemvt.com and filling out the survey on the site. VEM also distributes forms after major storms asking municipalities if they have incurred any damages and if so, to provide a financial estimate of recovery costs; these can be faxed back. Even if a community only suffers minimal damage, it should still report that dollar figure in order to help the state and county qualify for federal funds. There is no municipality threshold, so even minor damage could be paid for at 75% of the total cost by the federal government if the state and county qualify.

 

 If you do not receive a form, it is still important to notify Vermont Emergency Management of any damage by calling 800-347-0488. If you hold a position of leadership (clerk, manager, mayor, etc) or are an Emergency Management Director and have never received a form, please contact VEM at the same number and ask to be added to the distribution list for these forms. You can also keep a copy of the form for future disasters.