FEMA has approved a Public Assistance Declaration for Grand Isle County, ensuring that federal assistance for road, bridge and other public infrastructure repairs will be available for every county in the state.   “This is great news,” Gov. Shumlin said. “There has been extensive damage to roads, public buildings, bridges and other infrastructure all over the state, and Grand Isle County had high power restoration costs.

Serve Vermont and the United Way have created an online database to coordinate flood volunteer efforts. The database enables volunteer coordinators to post volunteer needs for events. Registered volunteers can then sign up to participate in the posted events. The database also enables the volunteer coordinator to manage expectations by listing the number of volunteers necessary for the event.  

About 90 vacant federally assisted apartments will be available to Vermonters displaced by Tropical Storm Irene, thanks to a federal waiver from the U.S. Treasury Department granted at the request of Governor Peter Shumlin and through the Vermont congressional delegation’s advocacy.

As Vermonters repair or rebuild their homes, Efficiency Vermont can provide advice on replacing damaged insulation and on how to address health and safety issues. In addition, Efficiency Vermont has financial assistance available for air sealing, replacing insulation, heating and hot water systems as well as rebates on ENERGY STAR® clothes washers, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators.