Small business owners in communities ravaged by floodwaters are struggling with a terrible choice: begin the arduous process of cleaning up and rebuilding, or shutter their businesses and find a new path forward.
The owners of businesses in Ludlow and Hardwick, two of the hardest-hit communities in the state, will share their stories. We'll also hear from a member of the Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund Advisory Board. The newly established fund aims to help small business owners recover from the floods.
Plus, the deputy secretary of the state's agency of Natural Resources will share an update on state-managed dams and on flood cleanup in businesses and homes.
Our guests:
- Maggie Gendron, deputy secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
- Freda Hollyer, co-owner of the Inn by the River in Hardwick
- Andrew Molen, chef and co-owner of Sam's Steakhouse and Mr. Darcy's in Ludlow
- Patti Komline, member of the Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund Advisory Board
Broadcast at noon on Friday, July 14, 2023.
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Flooding recovery assistance and other key resources
- To apply for federal financial assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
- Is your community under a boil-water notice? Find a statewide list here.
- For state road closure information, visit newengland511.org or @511VT on Twitter. To check the status of your town's local roads, consult your town website or social media.
- School activities and child care program closures are collected here.
- Find the latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers from the National Weather Service.
- Are you returning to flooded property? Get tips on what to expect and how to stay safe while cleaning your home or car and how to deal with trash and debris.
- Here are tips for avoiding scams that can crop up after a disaster.
- Flood safety tips have been translated into 16 languages here.
- The Vermont Professionals of Color Network is connecting BIPOC Vermonters with recovery assistance.
- Business owners can find tips and resources from Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
- To find more resources, visit vermont.gov/flood, vermont211.org or call Vermont 2-1-1.
- You can also report flood damage to 2-1-1 to help the state gather data, according to Vermont Emergency Management. (If you are a homeowner, you should also contact your insurance company.)
- The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has provided a resource page for farmers.
- Find the latest guidance about how to help with recovery.
