MONTPELIER, VT – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) met with homeowners and small businesses in Montpelier to hear about challenges they face in recovering from the July 2023 flood. Senator Welch toured ongoing flood recovery efforts at local restaurants and retailers and discussed how Washington can better help Vermonters impacted by natural disasters.  

“It takes a lot of work to run a small business, and dealing with damages from back-to-back floods makes it even more challenging. Businesses and homeowners in Montpelier have shown remarkable resilience in the weeks following the floods, and recovery funding is critical to building on that progress,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll continue fighting to deliver supplemental disaster funding to help Vermonters recover better—and stronger—than before.” 

View photos from the event below:

In Montpelier, Senator Welch visited several small businesses and local retailers impacted by the flooding in July 2023, including Bent Nail Bistro, Namaste Indian Nepali Kitchen, Bear Pond Books, and Minikin. Senator Welch was joined by Jon Copans, Executive Director of the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience; Ben Doyle, Chair of the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience; and Melissa Bounty, Executive Director of the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. 

In recent weeks, Senator Welch toured flood damage from the July 2023 and 2024 floods to homes and infrastructure in Hardwick, Moretown, Plainfield, Barre, Barnet, St. Johnsbury, Peacham, and Lyndonville.   

Senator Welch’s website has flood safety, recovery and preparedness resources available. Read more here.   

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