Disaster Declaration Approved for Eight Vermont Counties

Statement

Governor Phil Scott, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint today announced that President Joseph Biden has declared a Major Disaster for Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties, which suffered substantial damage during the December 22-24, 2022 winter storm.

A Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified nearly $3 million in program eligible costs incurred by public and non-profit utilities and communities in recovering from the storm, far exceeding the $1.14 million minimum Vermont must demonstrate for a disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the declaration each exceeded the $4.44 per capita county indicator needed to qualify communities and public utilities for assistance.

The Major Disaster declaration allows municipalities and qualifying non-profits like public utilities in those counties to receive 75% federal reimbursement for storm response and recovery. Those costs include power restoration for municipal utilities, repairs to public roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged during the storm, as well as removal of debris from public rights of way.

"I'm thankful that President Biden has approved our request and appreciate the continued support and collaboration of our Congressional Delegation," said Governor Scott. "This storm was particularly difficult, occurring in the heart of the holiday season, and I'm so grateful to all our public servants, first responders, utility crews and more for their hard work to keep Vermonters safe"

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