WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today celebrated the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement of $21.8 million in new emergency relief funding to the Vermont Agency of Transportation to help Vermont communities impacted by the July 2023 floods. The funding is allocated through DOT’s Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program and will reimburse the state for costs associated with repairing roads, bridges, and additional transportation infrastructure in Vermont damaged by catastrophic flooding in July 2023. Senator Welch has championed disaster and emergency relief funding for Vermont’s flood-stricken communities since the July 2023 floods, and helped craft the disaster aid bill passed by Congress in December. 

“In the aftermath of devastating floods, Vermont worked around the clock to repair damaged roads and bridges. State officials, including Vermont Agency of Transportation staff, have built back Vermont’s infrastructure quickly and more resiliently, often fronting significant costs to get the work done. This $21 million grant will help reimburse the state for these costs, and go a long way toward rebuilding roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure impacted by flooding,” said Senator Welch.  

“Since 2023, Vermont has seen its fair share of severe weather, destroying roads, culverts, bridges, and infrastructure,” said Governor Scott. “This funding will help to make repairs and build back better and more resilient. I’m appreciative of Senator Welch’s support in bringing these resources to Vermont.” 

“When natural events challenge Vermont and its communities the Agency of Transportation leans in quickly and effectively to bring all the resources at its disposal to restoring mobility across all modes of transportation. These grant funds will support the efforts already undertaken and more longer-term fixes to come,” said Vermont Agency of Transportation Secretary Flynn. 

Read the announcement from the Department of Transportation. 

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