July 2024 Flooding

State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) - 1-800-347-0488

The SEOC is partially activated ("Partial Hybrid" as of 7/11/2024, 8:00 PM) to support municipalities. If your municipality has resource needs, please notify your municipality's Emergency Management Director (EMD) and ask your EMD to call the SEOC at the number above to make your request.

VEM Facebook Page

The latest flood updates from Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) on the July 2024 flooding can be found on VEM's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

Road Closures:

Visit https://newengland511.org/ for state road closures.

Local road closures are not shown on 511; please respect all local detours. Some local road closures can be found on the Waze crowd-sourced navigation app. This free, Google-owned GPS app provides travelers with up-to-date navigation and traffic information. Municipalities can set up an account and use Waze to list local road closures.

Emails from VEM (July 2024):

7/11/2024, 11:27 AM - Kim Canarecci, FEMA PA Information for the July 10, 2024 Flood Event (Spreadsheet attached to email for cost tracking)

7/16/2024, 8:05 AM - Kim Canarecci, Guidance from VEM for Town Officials Recovery from Hurricane Beryl's Flooding

7/18/2024, 5:54 PM - Kim Canarecci, Municipal Flood Response and Volunteer Labor

Flooding seems to be becoming business as usual for many Vermont municipalities. For information about current climate related events – flooding and otherwise – that is essential for municipalities to know, you can find it from this page.

Flood Recovery Check-Ins

Join us on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM for our Flood Recovery Check-In series. VLCT’s Federal Funding Assistance Program team hosts staff from Vermont Emergency Management (VEM), FEMA, and Vermont’s Flood Recovery Office to share information, discuss timely topics, and conduct a Q&A to help smooth the path to flood recovery, mitigation, and resilience.

Register for this recurring event.
Access recordings and presentation slides from previous meetings in this series.

Email flood recovery or FEMA PA program questions to: ADM.2023floods@Vermont.gov

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General

Cleanup

Protecting Workers and Volunteers During Flood Cleanup (VLCT)
Clean and Prevent Mold - Vermont Department of Health
Fuel Tank Spills – VANR Spills Program

Funding and Financing

Emergency Relief Assistance for Federal-Aid Highways - FEMA Public Assistance does not cover Federal-Aid Highways.
Vermont Bond Bank – VBB is actively tracking the short term and long term financing needs of Vermont's communities in support of borrowing.
Working Capital Financings: Federal Tax Law Considerations - Vermont Bond Bank guidance on when short term borrowings for municipalities can be completed on a tax-exempt basis.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Compliance

Guidance: Help for Communities on How to Comply with FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program After a Flood - Communities must complete Substantial Damage estimates and permitting to remain in good standing for the NFIP. Published 7/21/2023.
Resources for Municipal Administrative Officers - ANR guidance about Substantially Damaged (SD) and Substantial Improvement (SI) determinations. Includes draft public information post, template letter for building owner, and more.
FEMA SI/SD Checklist - Initial screening thresholds and included/excluded improvement cost

Water and Wastewater

Mutual Aid through Vermont Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (VT WARN) - Equipment and personnel assistance.
EPA: Lessons Learned from Water/Wastewater Utilities that Participated in FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program - Discusses Immediate Needs Funding for emergency work and has other practical advice. Published May 2012.

Where to Find Help

Report a Landslide to the Vermont Geological Survey - This is NOT for emergency response.
Property Concerns with Rivers and Streams - Frequently Asked Questions answered by Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Flood Safety Tips and Resources - Has contact list for plumbers and electricians by county and flood safety information sheets you can post or use for resident messaging.
Flood Risk and Historic Buildings - State Historic Preservation Office guidance
Mobile Home Condemnation and Public Building Assistance - Contact the Division of Fire Safety at 802-479-7561 for assistance.
Statewide Contracts Search Tool - AI powered tool to assist municipalities and other political subdivisions to purchase goods and services under the terms negotiated by the State Office of Purchasing and Contracting on select statewide contracts.

Communication from State Agencies

Applicable to Any Flood Disaster

VEM: First Few Days of Flood Recovery (7/11/2023)

July 2024 Flood

VEM: FEMA PA Information for the July 10, 2024 Flood Event ( (7/11/2024)
NRB: Flood Response Emergency Order for Act 250 Operations (7/15/2024)
VEM: Guidance from VEM for Town Officials Recovery from Hurricane Beryl's Flooding (7/16/2024)

July 2023 Flood

VEM: Guidance for Town Officials - July 2023 Flooding Recovery (7/11/2023)
VEM: Debris Guidance and FEMA Eligibility (7/14/2023)
VEM: Town Equipment Documentation for FEMA (7/17/2023)
VEM: Flood Work and Contractors! Must Read (7/22/2023)
VEM: FEMA Public Assistance DR4720 (7/24/2023)
VEM: FEMA R1 EHP (Environmental Historic Preservation) Disaster Activities (7/24/2023)
DEC: Municipal Roads General Permit - Storm Damage Culvert Repair & Change of Contact (7/24/2023)
DEC: Flood-Related Hazardous Materials and Debris Collection Assistance Available - Municipal Action Required by 7/26/23 (7/25/2023)
VEM: Applicant Briefings Scheduled (7/26/2023)
DEC: Flood-Related Hazardous Materials and Debris Collection Assistance Available - Deadline Extended! (7/26/2023) Contact Steven Young at 802-261-5823 or steven.young@vermont.gov for municipal assistance with debris removal.
VEM: Public Assistance FEMA DR4720 Flood Information All in One Spot! (7/27/2023)
DEC: How to Make Aboveground Storage Tanks in Flood-Prone Areas More Safe (8/24/2023)
ANR: After a Flood - River and Stream Debris Management - Guidance on managing the removal of flood-related debris in and along rivers and streams (9/1/2023)
VEM: FEMA Eligibility for Management of River Debris - Reminders for Public Assistance applicants. (10/12/2023)
VEM: DR-4720 Governor's Selection of 30-Day Window - 100% FEMA PA reimbursement for Cat A expenses incurred from July 9 through August 7 and Cat B expenses incurred from July 13 through August 11. (2/9/2024)
Vermont Tax Dept.: Municipality Reimbursement for Flood-related Education Property Tax Abatements - Reimbursement to municipalities for flood-related education property tax abatements and associated borrowing expenses. (2/13/2024)

State of Vermont Press Releases

ANR Press Release: Vermont has a High Risk of Landslides after Recent Flooding - Published 7/14/2023
ANR Press Release: Flood Recovery Work in Rivers and Streams - Published 7/14/2023
DEC Press Release: Dam Safety Inspections - Published 7/18/2023
DEC Press Release: Increasing Waste Disposal Opportunities for Vermont Communities During Flood Recovery - Published 7/20/23. Call before you haul.
Governor Scott Announces Emergency Gap Funding - Published 7/21/2023. Early release of State payments to municipalities plus business assistance program.
Governor Scott Appoints Doug Farnham as Chief Recovery Officer - Published 8/2/2023.
Flood Recovery Public Space Clean Up Day - Sign up your town for volunteer assistance to clean up flood impacted public properties. Published 8/15/2023.

FEMA

VLCT's FEMA PA Program webpage
FEMA DR-4720-VT webpage
Designated Areas: Disaster 4720 map shows the current types of FEMA assistance that have been designated for Vermont's fourteen (14) counties (this map will be regularly updated but the link remains the same). NEW 9/12/2023: Essex County now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.
FEMA Press Release: President Increases Federal Cost Share for Vermont - Published 7/18/2023. Applies to State-designated 30-day period.
FEMA Schedule of Equipment Rates (only use 2021; DO NOT USE 2023)
Incident Period for July Floods extended! Damages incurred from July 7 through July 21, 2023 eligible.

Vermont Emergency Declaration and Addendums

2024 July Flooding Event

Amended and Restated Executive Order 03-23. Declaration of State of Emergency, Guard Call-Out and Activation of Emergency Operations Plan for the State of Vermont in Response to Anticipated Storm-Related Damage.
Addendum 1 to Amended and Restated Executive Order 03-23. Addendum 1 to the Declaration of State of Emergency, Guard Call-Out and Activation of Emergency Operations Plan for the State of Vermont in Response to Anticipated Storm-Related Damage.

Prior

Emergency Declaration (Executive Order 03-23) - Governor Phil Scott 7/9/2023
Addendum 1 to Executive Order 03-23 Regulatory Relief for Infrastructure Rebuild - Governor Phil Scott 7/13/2023
Addendum 2 to Executive Order 03-23 Additional Regulatory Relief - Governor Phil Scott 7/19/2023
Addendum 3 to Executive Order 03-23 Licensee Regulatory Relief - Governor Phil Scott 7/20/2023
Addendum 4 to Executive Order 03-23 Regulatory Relief (partially pertains to municipal water/wastewater professionals) - Governor Phil Scott 7/20/2023
Addendum 5 to Executive Order 03-23 Stream Alteration and Dam Safety Notice Modifications - Governor Phil Scott 8/1/2023
Directive 1: Debris Removal Directs VTrans, DPS, the Chief Recovery Officer, and VANR to clear or remove debris and wreckage that may threaten public health or safety, or public or private property at the discretion of VTrans - Governor Phil Scott 8/25/2023
Governor Scott Requests Major Disaster Declaration for Early August Flooding - Request covers repair of public infrastructure in Addison and Rutland Counties for August 3-5, 2023. Press Release published 9/27/2023.
Addendum 6 to Executive Order 03-23 Rescinds and reissues Addendum 1 for infrastructure rebuild regulatory relief for certain businesses. - Governor Phil Scott 10/10/2023 (Extension requires refiling NRB Act 250 waiver documentation.)
Addendum 9 to Executive Order 03-23. Ends waiver of Act 250 Land Use Permit conditions on gravel pit and rock quarry extraction, asphalt plants and concrete plants no later than January 15, 2024. - Governor Phil Scott 12/14/2023.
Addendum 10 to Executive Order 03-23. Ends waiver of Act 250 Land Use Permit conditions on gravel pit and rock quarry extraction, asphalt plants and concrete plants no later than February 15, 2024. - Governor Phil Scott 1/12/2024.

In addition to FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program, your municipality or residents may be eligible for the programs listed below. Deadlines for applications vary among the programs. These opportunities are described more fully on our Open Funding Opportunities webpage. Check back periodically as we will add to this list.

FHWA Emergency Relief - Supports repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands which have suffered serious damage because of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. These roads are NOT eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.
Vermont Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund (ERAF) - Through this program, the State of Vermont pays a share of the required local match for FEMA Public Assistance. The State contribution is based on disaster preparedness actions taken by the municipality. Find your municipality's ERAF rate at Flood Ready Vermont.
Vermont Emergency Management Property Buyouts (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. Property owners or municipalities can complete a form, which VEM will use to match the proposed buyout to the best grant program.
USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) - The EWP Program is a recovery effort aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters. Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance but must be represented by a project sponsor. ~~Application deadline is 9/7/2023.~~ NEW: Municipalities have two options to access this program. 1) Municipalities can apply directly to NRCS. NRCS has extended the Request for Assistance deadline to October 12, 2023. 2) Municipalities also can submit proposed projects to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). ANR submitted a Request for Assistance Letter to NRCS offering to sponsor or co-sponsor any Vermont project. Projects submitted through ANR can be submitted after October 12, 2023. Contact John Smeltzer, DEC, at 802-249-5620 to submit through VANR.
USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Floodplain Buyout - Use this program where structure projects to reduce threats from flooding and erosion are not cost-effective and/or beneficial. (Use VEM's program first!)
EDA Disaster Supplemental Funding - Supports disaster recovery activities including economic recovery strategic planning grants, public works construction projects including broadband and resiliency projects, workforce development, capitalization of revolving loan funds, and economic development projects that enhance density in the vicinity of other economic development. Vermont qualifies for FY2022 funding.
USDA Rural Development Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG) - Helps eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Contact Rebecca Schrader, Lead Community Program Specialist, Rebecca.schrader@usda.gov, before pursuing an application
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Supports projects such as mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisition (buyout), structural elevations or relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, mitigation outreach and education, etc. Project do not need to be directly connected to damage incurred from this disaster.
EPA Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability - Supports underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities to increase drinking water facility resilience to natural hazards. Disadvantaged Community is determined by the State’s affordability criteria.
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Traditional Disaster Response - Provides a team of 8-12 AmeriCorps NCCC members for disaster response, recovery, and mitigation activities.
Clean Water Initiative Flood Response and Recovery - Municipalities can use this funding to perform preliminary assessment of clean water project losses. Other municipal activities may be eligible. Last resort funding after sources like FEMA PA and insurance used.

State of Vermont

Vermont Emergency Management
Vermont Emergency Management Public Assistance
Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation - After a Flood
Department of Health
Department of Mental Health
Department of Libraries
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation - Guidance for municipal parks and recreation departments
Division of Fire Safety - Safety and inspections after a flood
Division for Historic Preservation - Guidance for historic buildings and sites
Agency of Agriculture, Foods, and Market
Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Flood Ready Vermont
Act 250 Temporary Waivers - Form and instructions to access waiver. Reminder, waivers end 10/15/2023. Waiver documentation due to NRB 11/15/2023.
Vermont Bond Bank - Resources and reminders about short and long term financing needs, cost documentation best practices, etc. for response and recovery.

Vermont Emergency Declaration and Addendums

Emergency Declaration (Executive Order 03-23) - Governor Phil Scott 7/9/23
Addendum 1 to Executive Order 03-23 Regulatory Relief for Infrastructure Rebuild - Governor Phil Scott 7/13/23
Addendum 2 to Executive Order 03-23 Additional Regulatory Relief - Governor Phil Scott 7/19/23
Addendum 3 to Executive Order 03/23 Licensee Regulatory Relief - Governor Phil Scott 7/20/23
Addendum 4 to Executive Order 03-23 Regulatory Relief (partially pertains to municipal water/wastewater professionals) - Governor Phil Scott 7/20/2023
Addendum 5 to Executive Order 03-23 Stream Alteration and Dam Safety Notice Modifications - Governor Phil Scott 8/1/2023

Other Resource Websites

Vermont Bond Bank - Flood Response Resource Page
National Weather Service Forecast Office - Burlington, Vermont
National Weather Service Forecast Office, - Albany, New York
Road Conditions
Track River Forecasts and Levels (National Weather Service)
Vermont 211 or Dial 211

General - Applies to Individual, Business, and Nonprofit Assistance

Governor's Office Flood Recovery Resources - Compilation of resources to help individuals and businesses navigate flood response and recovery.
Cleaning Up After the Flood Resources - Agency of Natural Resources guidance and resources
Guidance for Vermont Flood Recovery Health and Safety - Vermont Department of Health (VDH) Frequently Asked Questions
Clean and Prevent Mold - Vermont Department of Health
VT DEC Property Concerns with Rivers and Streams - Frequently Asked Questions
Multi Agency Resource Centers - Assistance to those affected by this disaster
USDA NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program - For imminent threats to life and property. Projects or floodplain buyouts. Governmental entity must be applicant. 60-day window from disaster event to apply.
Vermont Language Justice Project Videos - Resource for non-English speakers to access flood safety information
Translated Recovery Materials - A variety of recovery materials translated to multiple languages
Report Damages to 211 Flyer - For posting
VT Division of Fire Safety Disaster Placards - What do the placards (tags) colors represent? Can they be removed?
Plumbers and Electricians Contact List - Published by the Vermont Secretary of State and the Division of Fire Safety. List is organized by county.
Vermont State and Local Level Referrals - Where to find help for disaster recovery needs.
Incident Period for July Floods extended! Damages incurred from July 7 through July 21, 2023 eligible.

Individual Assistance

Open Shelters - VT 211 tracking
Individual assistance - Site for reporting damages now to inform the state's FEMA request.
FEMA Individual Assistance Information - VEM website summarizing available assistance, non-monetary services, eligibility criteria, and more
Request Volunteer Help to Assist with Home Cleaning - Call VT 211. If you can't get through, try 866-652-4636 or 802-652-4636.
Debris Removal Guidelines for Private Residential Properties
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) - For certain individuals whose employment is lost or interrupted as a direct result of this flood event. Deadline to apply extended to 9/29/2023.
Vermont Emergency Eats - Meals available for individuals whose food security has been negatively impacted because of the July 2023 flood.
Loss of 3Squares VT due to Household Misfortune/Flood- Current 3 Squares Vermont recipients that experienced a loss may call 1-800-479-6151. Replacement requests due by 08/31/2023. Hot Foods Waiver Extension extended through 09/17/2023.

Business Assistance