Vermont Officials Expect FEMA Word on Irene Payments

Vermont officials could learn this week how much the Federal Emergency Management Agency will contribute to help rehabilitate the state office complex in Waterbury, which was made unusable by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

The dispute over FEMA's contribution to the Waterbury project could involve tens of millions of dollars.
   
At issue is whether FEMA will reimburse the state for the cost of repairing Waterbury buildings that were damaged by the floods or if the federal agency will help the state demolish the structures and assist in the construction of a new state office building.

Vermont Public Radio reports that Shumlin administration officials say they would like to stick with the plan to renovate the Waterbury state office complex, but a lack of federal funding could change the decision.