Property Buyouts Following the July 2023 Flooding:
Grant funding is available to cover 100% of the project cost for the voluntary purchase of properties (residential, commercial, or vacant parcels) that are at risk from flooding.
- If a property was damaged during the July 2023 flooding event, VEM may be able to fund the purchase the property at the appraised value the day before the storm.
- If any federal funding was received following damages from this event (e.g., flood insurance payments or Individual Assistance), property owners need to save all receipts showing that funding was used for repairs.
- If a property was not damaged during this event but is at risk from flooding, VEM may be able to fund the purchase of the property at a current-market appraised value.
- If a property owner is considering pursuing a voluntary buyout, or if a municipality has property owners who may be interested, please fill out this intake form: https://forms.office.com/g/JisdCq8LDL. VEM will then direct you to the appropriate application materials in the next few weeks.
- Once property buyouts are complete, any structures will be demolished, and the property will be maintained as green open space in perpetuity.
- For more information please check the Buyout FAQs
If you have questions or would like to request a site visit, please reach out to dps.hazardmitigation@vermont.gov.
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Hazard Mitigation Information & Support
Hazard Mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and their property from hazards.
Hazard mitigation funds are available to municipalities and other organizations to help reduce or eliminate loss of life and property by taking measures to reduce the impacts of future disasters.
The Vermont Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Team supports other state agencies, non-profits, Regional Planning Commissions and municipalities in applying for and implementing projects under Hazard Mitigation grant programs. We also support Regional Planning Commissions and municipalities in conducting natural hazard mitigation planning, and developing FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plans.
Sample of successful FEMA-funded mitigation projects in Vermont communities
Sample of successful VEM-funded mitigation projects in Vermont communities
Learn more about property buyouts by watching this short video
2023 Hazard Mitigation Funding Opportunities
Flood Resilient Communities Fund (FRCF) was established by the Vermont Legislature under Act 74 with the intent of improving landscape and community resilience and reducing the future public safety and water quality impacts of flood hazards in Vermont, focusing on buyouts of flood-vulnerable properties. This program will prioritize projects that are not eligible for FEMA funding. Available funding is $14,750,000 in fiscal year 2023. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states and local communities for mitigation activities. The funding available in 2023 is $2 million for federal share set-aside for Vermont. Funding can be used for Project Scoping, planning activities, and project implementation. The State deadline for BRIC 2023 will be Friday, January 12, 2024.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program funds states, local communities, tribes, and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). We are currently waiting for FEMA to release the notice of funding for 2023 and anticipate an early December 2023 State deadline.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding is opening for the major disaster declared for flooding in July 2023. Entities interested in applying do not need to have damages from that event. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the funding has been utilized, with a final deadline in the spring of 2024.
Questions can be directed to: DPS.HazardMitigation@vermont.gov.