ORLEANS, VT— Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) assessed flood damage and ongoing recovery efforts in Orleans County, Vermont, yesterday, following catastrophic flooding in July 2023. Senator Welch visited the Ethan Allen Manufacturing Plant in Orleans, the Disaster Survivor Assistance Registration Site and the Parsons Dinner House in Barton, and Red Sky Trading in Glover.   

“The damage from the July storm is staggering—but the recovery efforts on the ground are inspiring to see,” said Sen. Welch. “I encourage Vermonters to document damage to their properties and report any losses to Vermont 2-1-1. It’s a critical step, and it will help us advocate for the federal support Vermonters need to rebuild. We have a long road ahead, but the community I saw on the ground in Orleans County today proves that, by helping one another and working together, Vermonters will come through this stronger than ever.” 

In Orleans, Sen. Welch was joined by State Senator Robert Starr and Mike Worth, Vice President of Case Goods at Ethan Allen. In Barton, Sen. Welch was given a tour of the Disaster Survivor Assistance Registration by Selectboard Chair Jeff Cota and Town Clerk Kristin Atwood. In Glover the tour was led by Selectboard Chair Leanne Harple, Glover Emergency Director Phil Brooks, and Glover Ambulance Chief Adam Heuslein.  

Small businesses impacted by flooding are encouraged to document and report damage by calling Vermont 2-1-1. Visit the Small Business Administration and the Vermont Small Business Development Center for more resources. For help accessing recovery resources, please visit a local FEMA Individual Assistance Registration Site. 

Sen. Welch’s office can help Vermonters work with federal agencies after natural disasters. For more information, please call 802-863-2525.  

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