The governor held a press conference in Moretown, Vermont yesterday to meet with residents, survey damage from Tropical Storm Irene and outline the various federal and state programs designed to help them get properties repaired and rebuilt. Read the governor's press release and list of resources for homeowners.
FEMA has approved $4.3 million in assistance -- $4.2 million in housing assistance and $165,228 for other needs such as replacement of personal property. Estimates of the number of homes damaged are preliminary as assessments continue around the state. The governor's office estimates that just over 700 homes have been confirmed as severely damaged or destroyed. The Burlington Free Press cited FEMA preliminary estimates at 101 owner-occupied homes destroyed, 423 owner-occupied homes with major damage, 23 rental properties destroyed and 146 rental properties with major damage.