A multi agency resource center will be open in Wardsboro this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is a central location for state and local agencies and humanitarian organizations to answer your questions and provide disaster-related assistance. These are open to Vermonters throughout the state, including those with impacts in Jamaica, Rawsonville, Bondville.
Saturday July 22 9am-5pm
Sunday July 23, 9am-5pm
- Barre: 16 Auditorium Hill
- Johnson: 57 College Hill Rd
- Wardsboro: Elementary School, 70 School Rd
PLEASE BRING PROOF OF ADDRESS (May be needed for some Services)
Agencies Involved: Vermont Department of Public Safety, Vermont Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and others
Services provided: Lunch, Bottled, Water, Clean Up Kits, Mental Health, Spiritual Care
Small Business micro grants available
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. WE WILL BE PROVIDING UP TO $2,500 IN GRANT ALLOCATIONS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO REAPPLY AS FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Grant Application
U.S. Department of Labor Approves Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits for Vermonters in Designated Disaster Areas
Montpelier, Vt. – The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) announced today that federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits will be available to Vermonters left without work due to the severe flooding that occurred in Vermont beginning on July 7, 2023.
The Biden Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) have declared Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties as initial federal disaster areas. Under this declaration, individuals living, working, or scheduled to work in these counties may be eligible for DUA. This includes independent contractors, those who are self-employed, and agricultural workers. Governor Scott’s Disaster Declaration request covered all 14 counties; however, only the six listed above are currently eligible for DUA. When or if more counties are identified, the Department of Labor will issue additional press releases.
Individuals seeking assistance through the DUA program must first file for regular unemployment benefits. As part of the application process, claimants should indicate that their employment was impacted by the disaster. The Department of Labor will determine if the claimant is eligible for regular unemployment first, as required by FEMA. If the claimant is deemed ineligible for regular unemployment insurance, the applicant will be provided with the DUA application. Eligible Vermonters can collect benefits for the weeks during which they meet the necessary program criteria.
Under the DUA program guidance, individuals in the initial counties listed above have until August 21, 2023, to file a claim. If additional counties are added to the disaster declaration, a new press release will be issued with a revised deadline to file. The first payable benefit week has been identified as July 9 – 15, 2023.
Examples of eligible DUA claims may include:
- § The claimant was injured in the disaster and is unable to work, whether they are an employee or self-employed;
- § The claimant’s workplace was damaged, destroyed, or not in operation as a result of the disaster;
- § The claimant’s transportation to work is not available as a direct result of the disaster;
- § The claimant cannot get to their job because they must travel through an impacted area and are unable to do so as a direct result of the disaster;
- § The claimant was about to begin working, but the job no longer exists as a direct result of the disaster;
- § Most of the claimant’s income comes from areas affected by the disaster, whether they work for themselves or an employer, and their business is adversely impacted as a direct result of the disaster.
Individuals in need of Disaster Unemployment Assistance can find more information online at https://labor.vermont.gov/dua or by calling the UI Claimant Assistance Center at 1-877-214-3330. This page also includes information about language access.
Increasing Waste Disposal Opportunities for Vermont Communities During Flood Recovery
Montpelier, Vt. – The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in coordination with Governor Scott has waived permit limits on transfer station and landfill hours of operation and daily facility tonnage limits during this State of Emergency.
DEC advises residents and businesses to call before your haul, as facility hours may vary. Please be patient with solid waste haulers and facility staff who have been working close to 80-hour weeks to meet the current demand.
If a town has a need for help with flood debris beyond what local contractors can handle, the town Emergency Management Director should contact the State Emergency Operations Center.
Contact your town to find out if there will be a contractor picking up flood debris or where the closest transfer stations are for proper disposal.
DEC advises clean-up crews to use caution and to wear gloves and proper personal protective equipment to separate hazardous waste from other trash. It is important to set aside flood-damaged chemicals, paint, flammable liquids, electronics, appliances, and other household hazardous waste for separate disposal. It is safe to temporarily store hazardous and other solid waste outside if chemicals are kept in their original containers and not spilled or mixed.
The extended hours of operation at Casella’s New England Waste Services of Vermont landfill in Coventry and Vermont solid waste transfer stations can ease cleanup efforts.
For more information on flood recovery resources from the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Department, or the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, visit https://ANR.Vermont.gov/Flood.
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT SIGNS ORDER PROVIDING MORE FLEXIBILITY AND ADDITIONAL RELIEF IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE FLOODING
Berlin, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today signed an addendum to his Emergency Declaration (Executive Order 03-23), providing additional temporary regulatory relief to aid Vermont’s response and recovery efforts.
“As we continue to respond to the aftermath of severe flooding, more flexibility is needed to expedite recovery efforts,” said Governor Scott. “My team will continue to evaluate other regulatory relief that will help accelerate our response and ease the burden on Vermonters.”
In Addendum 2, the Governor is directing:
- the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to extend license and registration renewals, and temporary registration certificates and number plates, for 60 days beyond their effective expiration date.
- the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to waive the production and fuel use limits for hot mix asphalt plants to help with emergency road repair; waive the certification limits of the Coventry Landfill and transfer station operating hours to allow longer hours and weekend days; and more.
- the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, to waive such rules and requirements as necessary to issue a temporary license, certification or registration to profession types equivalent to the Vermont Oil Heat Technicians, Vermont Propane Technicians, Vermont S-License Plumbers and Vermont S-License Electricians, and other professions regulated by the Division of Fire Safety.
For more information, click here to view Addendum 2.
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT EXTENDS DEADLINES FOR UPCOMING VERMONT TAX DUE DATES FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY HISTORIC FLOODING
Berlin, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today directed the Commissioner of Taxes to extend Vermont tax deadlines for Vermonters impacted by the severe flooding of July 2023. Taxpayers impacted by flooding and unable to meet Vermont tax deadlines between July 7, 2023, and November 15, 2023, will now have until November 15, 2023, to file and pay taxes.
Taxpayers impacted by the flood do not need to contact the Department of Taxes to request extensions for the tax types listed below. Due dates between July 7, 2023 and November 15, 2023 will automatically be extended for taxpayers impacted by the flooding for:
- Corporate and business income tax, including estimated payments
- Sales and use tax
- Meals and rooms tax
- Payroll withholding tax
- Estimated personal income tax payments, originally due September 15, 2023
- Filing of 2022 Vermont personal income taxes with a valid federal or Vermont extension
Those with Vermont tax obligations beyond what is listed above, due between July 7 and November 15, 2023, can request extensions by contacting the department’s Taxpayer Services Division for assistance. Note that in some cases, the department may ask for proof of hardship to grant extensions.
The tax relief summarized above is for those impacted by July’s severe flooding. Taxpayers not impacted by the flood are expected to file and pay taxes by their original due dates.
In response to the national disaster declaration for Vermont, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has also extended deadlines to file and pay certain federal taxes for Vermont residents and businesses impacted by the flooding. Please refer to the IRS guidance for details about federal tax relief.
Has your business been affected by flooding this summer? Southern Vermont resources can be found here: www.brattleborodevelopment.com
Southern Vermont “Get on Board” Program Seeks to Engage and Train Emerging Civic Leader
Southern Vermont – In our small towns, even one additional informed, focused, and engaged community member can make a difference. But for new volunteers, getting involved with local projects and governing boards can seem intimidating.
The Southern Vermont “Get on Board” program, starting this fall, will equip participants with practical skills to become more effective and active in local civic life. From big-picture knowledge to finding mentors, participants will learn tips and techniques for navigating local government, fostering positive community dialogue, being an effective board member, ensuring equitable access to local government, and forming partnerships for action.
Four in-person sessions will provide a deep dive, and showcase towns across Southern Vermont. Three short remote sessions will continue the learning opportunities in between gatherings. Classes will feature panelists with deep experience in local government, scholars, and community organizations.
The program runs from October to early January and costs $150. Scholarships are available, along with multiple other accessibility accommodations, such as childcare stipends; and towns have the opportunity to sponsor participants as well. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis now through September 29.
Southern Vermont “Get on Board” is part of the Southern Vermont Economy Project (a program of Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation) and is funded in part by the Vermont Community Foundation and USDA Rural Community Development Initiative. For more information, please visit www.sovermontzone.com/get-on-board or contact Meg Staloff at BDCC at mstaloff@brattleborodevelopment.com or (802)
Previous information from Rep. Sibilia on this summer’s flooding
As always, if you have suggestions, concerns or critiques please be in touch so we can schedule time to discuss. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us. Follow my regular posts online at http://www.laurasibiliavt.com
It is an honor to represent our district in the legislature. Thank you!
Rep. Laura Sibilia – Dover, Jamaica, Somerset, Stratton, Wardsboro
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Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 