President Joe Biden on July 14 authorized a federal disaster declaration that will make flood-related assistance available to residents and businesses in in Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties. Addison County could still get on that list, as Federal Emergency Management Agency officials continue to tally flood damage in our area.

On July 18, Biden authorized that the federal cost-share for emergency protective measures be increased from 75% to 100% for a 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the flood event.

The FEMA assistance include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs.