Flood Recovery Update: Thurs., Aug. 17
August 17, 2023The following flood briefs were compiled by the Times Argus and Rutland Herald and shared with Waterbury Roundabout readers.
Phish tickets to be auctioned
MONTPELIER – Montpelier Alive and the Montpelier Foundation announced Thursday that Theriault & Joslin, a Montpelier law firm, has donated four Phish tickets to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to business recovery from the summer floods.
In just one month, the Montpelier Strong team has raised $1.6 million. A $2 million has been set.
The tickets are for the band’s Aug. 26 flood relief concert in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The auction link can be found on the Montpelier Alive website: montpelieralive.com/flood2023, or visit the auction platform. The auction closes on Aug. 24 at 5 p.m.
Questions can be directed to Katie Trautz, director@montpelieralive.org.
How to ID a FEMA home inspector
WILLISTON – FEMA home inspectors are working around the state to assist with disaster recovery efforts following July’s severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. They carry an official FEMA photo ID and their badge with their photos is not visible, ask the inspector to show it to you.
FEMA inspectors will already have your nine-digit registration number and will never ask for money.
After you apply for FEMA assistance, FEMA may call you to schedule an appointment to inspect the damage to your home. FEMA staff may call from an unknown or restricted phone number – it’s important to answer so your application can move forward.
Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector: FEMA inspectors are not authorized to collect your financial information or ask for your Social Security number.
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used to apply without your knowledge. Inform the inspector you did not apply, so a request to stop further processing of the application can be submitted.
If you suspect identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov. For any questions about whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
SBA approves $10M for Vermonters
MONTPELIER – The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $10 million in low-interest disaster loans for Vermonters whose property was damaged or destroyed by the July flooding.
Approved loan funds, which totaled $10,108,000 as of close of business Aug. 15, will assist 223 businesses, homeowners and renters repair, rebuild and recover. Applications are still being processed, and the amount of money that will be made available to disaster survivors will increase in the days and weeks ahead.
Those who need assistance must do so by the deadline of Sept. 12. Visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Waterbury Armory in person. Or apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Use the SBA declaration #18016. Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for their settlement before applying to the SBA.
The SBA can make a loan for the total loss and use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362.
State of Vermont vehicle incentive program
Gov. Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Transportation have announced changes to statewide vehicle incentive programs for residents whose personal vehicles have been damaged by flooding, in an effort to provide increased financial support to households affected by this summer’s flood events and to expedite the transition to plug-in electric vehicles.
“As we continue responding to this summer’s weather events, we remain focused on transitioning to an electric future, including in the transportation sector,” Scott said. “My team has been focused on making EVs a priority for years, and we will continue to take the lead on these efforts.”
AOT is offering a package of enhanced incentives for income-eligible Vermonters:
The Replace Your Ride Program, which provides up to $5,000 for swapping a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle for cleaner transportation options, will increase program eligibility to include flood-damaged vehicles, whether drivable or not. Vehicles will still have to meet other program guidelines.
The Incentive Program for New Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), which currently provides up to $5,000 for a new purchased or leased PEV, will provide an additional $1,000 incentive (up to $6,000 total) to Vermonters replacing a flood-damaged vehicle.
The MileageSmart Program, the state’s high-efficiency used vehicle program which provides up to 25% of a vehicle’s price, will automatically provide a full $5,000 incentive to Vermonters replacing a flood-damaged vehicle.
Program participants may use these programs to bundle state incentives for up to $11,000 off the price of a new PEV and up to $10,000 off the price of a used PEV, as well as with other local utility rebates and federal tax credits. For more information, go to driveelectricvt.com/incentives.
Flood insurance program
BARRE – Vermont's recent storms show just how much damage flooding can cause. Insuring your home or business with a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program can help you prepare for – and recover from – the next flood.
The National Flood Insurance Program helps people in areas at high risk of flooding get insured. Managed by FEMA and delivered by a network of more than 50 insurance companies, the NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses to help them recover faster when floodwaters recede.
NFIP policies are available to renters, homeowners and businesses in areas that participate in the program. Communities that participate in the NFIP follow a plan to mitigate flood damage, which may include requiring builders to install certain protective measures or limit development in the areas most prone to flooding.
Waterbury participates in the flood insurance program. Its most recent recertification in the Community Rating System resulted in a designation that gives those who pay flood insurance a 10% discount.
For more information, visit online at FloodReady.Vermont.gov/Find_Funding/Flood_Insurance.
While getting insurance now won’t cover damage that’s already occurred, it can protect you in future storms. You can purchase flood insurance at any time. Most policies have a 30-day waiting period after you’ve paid the premium before the policy is effective.