Recovery & Assistance
The following information is regularly updated to keep the local business community abreast of helpful opportunities in response to recent challenges.
For businesses seeking relief:
● Document any damage with photos
● Write down your experience, including times of major events
● Capture all losses: loss of business income, inventory (due to spoilage or floodwater damage), equipment, property, etc.
●
Report damage to 211 by phone or online
● Contact your insurance company to file a claim or understand what losses may be covered
● Identify questions you have that we or a local, state, or federal partner can help you answer
● Avoid making quick decisions or major purchases until we are aware of the potential funding that is available to help
DRIA program
The DRIA program is being proposed to help prevent grand list decline and create the opportunity to grow grand list values in disaster vulnerable Vermont communities, by offering municipalities a tool to purchase and/or make resiliency improvements to properties, and enhance public infrastructure in disaster impacted areas. >>
More Information
Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont flood recovery program to include more incentives for qualifying equipment. Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by recent floods can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product for up to four products, in addition to standard offers. That’s a significant increase from the original program offer!
For program details, use this link:
https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/rebates/list/bizflood
For program application:
https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/Media/Default/docs/rebates/forms/efficiency-vermont-business-flood-rebate-form.pdf
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Vermont is setting aside $4 million in federal financial assistance to help Vermont's agricultural producers recover from recent flooding. This funding applies to resource concerns that threaten the ongoing agricultural operation or create an imminent threat to agricultural operations. The only eligible practices under this EQIP-Disaster Assistance signup are the following seven practices: Cover Crop; Critical Area Planting; Fence; Pasture and Hay Planting; Mulching; Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till; Feed Management.
More information available at
www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program
The application portal is now open. Businesses and nonprofits can visit the
Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program FAQ page to learn how the program works.
Vermont 211
Vermonters Affected by the Storm and Flooding, both business and homeowners please report damage.
More information available at
vermont211.org
USDA Rural Development Disaster Assistance
USDA Rural Development (RD) hosts a Disaster Assistance website to provide quick access to key resources.
More information available at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/rural-development-disaster-assistance
Vermont.gov Flood Resources
The page has been developed to enable Vermonters to navigate important things to do and available resources in one initial stop, with links to more detailed information if you need it. It is being updated on an ongoing basis so please check back often for new or updated details.
More information available at
www.vermont.gov/flood
Vermont League of Cities & Towns
VLCT is committed to providing Vermont's municipalities with the most timely information, valuable resources, and important connections to help you be successful and resilient in the wake of this catastrophe.
More information available at
vlct.org/
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is providing guidance on questions of insurance, potential scams, and trusted service providers.
More information available at
www.bbb.org.
Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Connecting our farmers and farming communities with response and recovery information and resources
More information available at
agriculture.vermont.gov/flood
Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab
Important Notice for Flood-Impacted Farms: Routine soil testing, heavy metal screening, and soil nitrate analysis will be free for flood-impacted farms through August 15th. Please write 'FLOODED' on sample submission forms accompanying any soil samples.
More information available at
www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab
Vermont Farm Fund
Started in response to the devastation our Vermont farms suffered at the hands of Tropical Storm Irene, the VFF seeks to minimize the hurdles to secure a loan and receive funds to begin the recovery process. The maximum Emergency Loan amount is currently $10,000. This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 24 months with a flexible payment schedule.
More information available at
vtfarmfund.org
NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund
The NOFA-VT (Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont) Farmer Emergency Fund is available to assist Vermont certified organic and NOFA-VT member commercial farmers who are in financial need after having been adversely affected by natural and unnatural disasters. Farmers may request up to $2,500 in grants that do not need to be repaid.
More information available at
nofavt.org
