PLAINFIELD, Vt. (AP) — Gov. Phil Scott said Friday it will take several more days to fully assess the damage from flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. Vermont is better prepared to recover quickly after enduring heartbreak, federal red tape, and extensive cleanup from massive floods a year ago.
Scott told reporters at a briefing in Berlin, “We can all use what we learned last year to quickly strengthen our response, and that starts with getting homes, businesses, and communities clean and dry as quickly as possible.”
He praised the resilience of Vermonters who are used to making do without government help in rural areas and urged them to report damage promptly and ask for assistance.
The remnants of Beryl dumped over 6 inches of rain in just a few hours, destroying and damaging homes, bridges, and cutting off towns. Two people were killed by the floodwaters.
The Vermont Department of Transportation is releasing nearly $30 million in town highway payments by early August to help communities repair washed-out roads, bridges, and culverts. The state has reopened all but 18 of the 54 state roads that were closed due to flooding or storm debris.
Residents are urged to take advantage of the upcoming sunny weather to clean up and prevent mold growth. Vermonters not directly affected are encouraged to volunteer and help their neighbors.
Storm stories played out across Vermont, with state swift-water teams rescuing about 120 residents. Beryl, blamed for numerous deaths, made landfall in Texas before traveling across the U.S. and causing flooding in the Great Lakes to northern New England and Canada.
Vermont has experienced tropical weather systems before, like Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The state has updated requirements for culverts and bridges after Irene to prepare for more dangerous storms due to climate change.
Vermont officials acknowledged that collecting money from fossil fuel companies for damage caused by extreme weather will depend on litigation. Vermonters are urged to support each other in cleanup efforts and recovery.
Associated Press writers David Sharp in Maine, Holly Ramer in New Hampshire, Seth Borenstein in Washington, and Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
