Vermont’s congressional delegation – Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch – today announced a disaster
declaration that will bring federal assistance to counties affected by this
spring’s flooding that were until now ineligible for such assistance.
The declaration – issued today by President Obama – will make public assistance available for damages sustained as a result of the storm on May 20th in Franklin, Washington and Windham counties. Previously, the disaster declaration only covered damages sustained on May 26th and 27th.
“This spring’s flooding combined with the unprecedented damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene have seriously strained the state’s resources,” Vermont’s delegation said in a statement. “As we continue fighting to ensure Vermont gets every dollar it needs to recover from these storms, this is welcome news and a step in the right direction.”
In September, Leahy, Sanders and Welch wrote to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate asking that the dates be amended.
