Funds available to Vermont Communities for Hazard Mitigation

WATERBURY, VT – The State of Vermont has received an extension from the federal government to distribute Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds in connection with Tropical Storm Irene. The Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is now accepting a new round of HMGP applications from towns and agencies in all Vermont counties.

HMGP grants cover up to 75% of the costs associated with lessening the potential damage from a future disaster. Projects like flood-proofing of public buildings, culvert replacement, riverbank stabilization and many others have been completed in the past under the HMGP with local jurisdictions paying for 25% of the work.

This is the sixth application period for funds made available to the state after Tropical Storm Irene. Since Irene the state of Vermont has approved $38-million in projects to municipalities and other eligible organizations. Due to federal rules, the exact amount of money available in this round is based on a number of contingencies, but could be between $2-million and $4-million.

“We strongly encourage towns to identify potential hazard mitigation sites in your communities and apply for funds under the HMGP grant program,” DEMHS Director Joe Flynn said. “Flood-proofing public buildings, fixing frequently flooded roads, and replacing culverts now can go a long way toward saving taxpayers in your community money down the road.”

Other eligible projects include home or property acquisition (buy-out), structural elevations or relocations, and remediation of stream bank erosion, among others.

Applicants may download the HMGP application from our agency’s website at http://vem.vermont.gov/mitigation. DEMHS staff will assist in the application process; towns can contact Ray Doherty, at 802 241-5258 or ray.doherty@state.vt.us, or Misha Bailey at 802 241-5362 or misha.bailey@state.vt.us for assistance.

CVRPC staff is also available to assist Central Vermont towns with the application process – contact Kim McKee (email Kim) or Dan Currier (email Dan) at 802-229-0389.  Deadline for applications is November 18, 2013.

 

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