WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) this week reiterated their call to majority, minority, and Appropriations Committee leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives to pass supplemental disaster recovery and mitigation appropriations to help Vermont recover from catastrophic flooding in both July 2023 and July 2024. The Delegation specifically requested dedicated long-term disaster recovery funding for flood-impacted individuals, farms, and communities across the state.
The Delegation’s request comes as Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom recovers from more heavy rains and flash flooding this week. Vermont experienced devastating flooding only two weeks ago, exactly one year after the July 2023 floods, which damaged and destroyed homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, washed away roads and bridges, and destroyed crops and farmland.
“As Vermont continues to recover from July 2023’s catastrophic flooding—and responds to flooding that again hit the state three weeks ago—we once again urge you to pass federal funding that meets the needs of our state, with a significant focus on funding for long-term disaster recovery and mitigation work. This funding is even more critical as the state works to respond to the impacts of severe flooding across northern and central Vermont caused by remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which struck our state exactly one year after so many homes, businesses, farms, and communities were destroyed by the worst flooding Vermont has experienced in nearly a century,” wrote Sanders, Welch, and Balint.
The Vermont Congressional Delegation’s request comes as Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom was hit again this week by dangerous and destructive flash flooding. These communities and more also faced devastating floods only three weeks ago – exactly one year after the historic floods of July 2023.
“We appreciate your support for the appropriation of all additional federal disaster recovery and mitigation dollars that Vermont will need for years to come. Recent data has shown that every dollar spent on flood resiliency efforts saves up to $318 in flood-related damages. Vermont alone has faced two once-in-a-century floods in less than 20 years. Congress has unfortunately waited and delayed as more disastrous extreme weather has once again destroyed rural communities in Vermont and across America. We cannot wait any longer,” the delegation concluded.
Read the full letter.
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