The state of Vermont is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine whether the state qualifies for a federal public assistance disaster declaration for damage caused by severe storms earlier this month.
To qualify for a disaster declaration for the May 4 storms, Vermont must demonstrate at least $1 million in response and public infrastructure recovery costs. If the state qualifies, entities could be eligible to be reimbursed for some storm damage repairs.
Vermont Emergency Management Director Erica Bornemann said preliminary estimates indicate recovery costs will exceed that amount.
The state requested assessments in Chittenden, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington counties, although more counties could be added.
The storms temporarily knocked out power to tens of thousands of Vermonters.
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