May 17, 2011 - WATERBURY – Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that Preliminary Damage Assessment teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are in Vermont this week to help determine if the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance for individuals and families affected by the flooding.

The teams will be in the field on Wednesday to visit many homes that have reported damage to Vermont 211.  The Governor urged anyone who has suffered damage to their home to call 211 to report those problems.

“We need a reliable estimate of individual damage,” Gov. Shumlin said. “The state needs to show significant damage to primary residences to qualify for an Individual Assistance declaration to help homeowners who suffered damage by the floods of the past month.”

The FEMA teams assessing public infrastructure damage for a possible Public Assistance declaration have completed their work and found more than $3 million in damages statewide.  Those teams have also found that the counties of Addison, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington have shown enough damage to qualify for a disaster declaration.

“We have shown significant public infrastructure damage and I’m confident we will be granted federal funds to help rebuild roads, bridges, and other public property,” Gov. Shumlin said.  “Now we need to show private property damage.  I encourage everyone who suffered flood damage to their homes to call 2-1-1 so FEMA can get an accurate picture of damages.”

The process of obtaining an Individual Assistance declaration is just beginning and will likely take time as many homes are still under water.  Vermont must show a significant impact from the flooding to be considered.

The Small Business Administration will also be in the field on Wednesday.  The SBA could offer low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses damaged by the flooding.  If you own a small business injured by the floods in the form of physical damage or lost business please call your city or town to report that damage.

Agricultural operators who suffered damage to their farms should contact the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at agr.emergency@state.vt.us.