The state of Vermont announced Monday that local municipalities may now be eligible for more money for projects that reduce future flood risk.
The state is offering to cover the local match required for towns to receive federal aid for hazard mitigation projects, according to a press release issued by Gov. Phil Scott’s office.
About $90 million is available to Vermont municipalities through the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, with towns and cities required to cover 25% of costs to qualify. The state had been covering that portion for property buyouts, and will now do so for other infrastructure projects, according to Stephanie Smith, the state hazard mitigation officer for Vermont Emergency Management.
Scott said in the release that the July flooding made clear that local communities needed more resources to strengthen their infrastructure.
In the past, Vermont communities have used these funds to install spillways and culverts, flood-proof buildings, restore river corridors and buy homes in floodplains, according to the release.
The state also announced it would delay its “pre-application” deadline from June 21 to Aug. 16. Smith said that the extension was meant to give more time to municipalities that may not have previously considered applying.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont communities now eligible for more funding for hazard mitigation projects.