BARRE, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today toured flood damage from the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl, which impacted communities across central and northern Vermont and required more than 100 rescues and evacuations. Senator Welch toured flood damage in Moretown, Plainfield, and Barre.
“I know I speak for everyone in our state when I say our hearts go out to every Vermonter who is impacted by this week’s flooding. We are so appreciative of everyone who is helping their neighbors recover from this flood – which has hit so many of the homes, farms, businesses, and infrastructure devastated by flooding exactly one year ago,” said Sen. Welch. “Margaret and I also join our fellow Vermonters in mourning Dylan Kempton and John Rice, who tragically passed away in the flood. Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and communities.
“As I said to my colleagues this week on the Senate Floor, Vermonters always come together with strength and resilience to face challenges – this will be no different. We will recover from this flood, and we will do it together,” continued Sen. Welch.
In Moretown, Sen. Welch and Selectboard Chair Tom Martin toured damage to Stevens Brook Road. In Plainfield, Sen. Welch and local leaders viewed damage to homes, and impassable and destroyed bridges. In Barre, Sen. Welch and local leaders visited with flood-impacted homeowners, many of whom are still recovering from the July 2023 floods.
View photos from the event below:
Read Senator Welch’s statement on this week’s flooding here.
This week, Senator Welch chaired a Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development hearing on how Congress can bolster emergency response, recovery, and resilience in America’s rural communities. The hearing included witnesses from Vermont who discussed Vermont’s recovery process and how Washington can better help rural communities access technical assistance before and after natural disasters. He also took to the Senate Floor to call for increased supplemental disaster funding for Vermont communities impacted by catastrophic flooding, highlighting Vermonters’ voices and stories of how they were impacted by the July 2023 floods.
Flood Safety Resources:
- To stay up to date on weather forecasts and alerts, register for Vermont Alert.
- See state road closures. Local road closures are not reported to the state, so respect all local detours for your safety. https://newengland511.org/
- Many rivers are still at flood stage, remain vigilant and stay away from floodwaters.
- Travelers should respect all closed roads and detours.
- Rivers and streams are running high and fast with debris running through them, they are unsafe for swimming.
- Check for updated boil water and do not drink notices: https://anr.vermont.gov/document/public-water-notices
- Additional resources to stay safe can be found here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/emergency/public-health-preparedness/stay-safe-flood
- As of Friday, one shelter is currently available for Vermonters in need.
- Barre Auditorium: 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre
Additional Flood Recovery and Preparedness Resources:
- Record and report any damage you have sustained to Vermont 211 by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the website and filling out the residential damage form and/or the business damage form.
- This is a crucial step even if the damage is minimal, cumulative reported damage may meet thresholds that will bring more assistance to Vermont.
- You should also report any damage to your agent or insurance company.
- Additional recovery resources and tips can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/starting-your-recovery-after-flood
- Vermont municipalities can find guidance at https://www.vlct.org/topics/flood-recovery
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