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Towns Can Apply For Disaster Aid Payments

Governor Peter Shumlin says some Vermont towns in federally-declared disaster areas are eligible for accelerated payments of state funds to assist with damage from the steady rain and flooding this year.

"So this is really an effort to say to towns that got hit so hard, we’re with you, we’re hear to help, we know you need cash now, and the treasurer has come up with a great method for getting that done," Shumlin said.

The early payment program announced Wednesday mirrors one used in 2011 to assist towns hit by Tropical Storm Irene.

State Treasurer Beth Pearce said that to be eligible for state payments, towns must request them and document the amount of repairs anticipated from recent disaster declarations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"Some of those payments would have been available in the fall, some of those not until April, and our goal is to get those moneys out to the towns when they need it most. Waiting for that money costs the towns, in terms of borrowing, it costs the towns in terms of stress. We want to be there to help. We think this program will be advantageous for the towns that need it," Pearce said.

FEMA announced last month that federal disaster aid will be available to Vermont to supplement state and local recovery areas affected by storms and flooding in late May. Funds are available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in Chittenden, Essex and Lamoille counties.

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