VT's Gov and DC people get housing for people displaced by Irene.

by: kestrel9000

Fri Sep 16, 2011 at 15:08:21 PM EDT

Leahy, Sanders, Welch Announce Opening of Apartments to Storm-Displaced Vermonters

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Friday announced that about 90 vacant federally assisted apartments will be available to Vermonters displaced by Tropical Storm Irene, thanks to a federal waiver from the U.S. Treasury Department granted at the request of Governor Peter Shumlin and through the Vermont congressional delegation's advocacy.

Basically, what they managed to get from Geithner is a waiver for the federal income eligibility requirements that apply to apartments built using federal tax credit programs. This follows on a request to Geithner made by Governor Shumlin for the waiver. Kudos to all involved.

Information for landlords, flood victims,and a list of available properties, as well as copies of letters to Secretary Geithner from Representative Welch and Senator Leahy are available at Peter Welch's website.

Once again, bravo for a job well done.

Gov. Shumlin announces Individual Assistance approved for three more counties

MONTPELIER - Gov.  Peter Shumlin today announced that FEMA approved an Individual Assistance Declaration for Franklin, Lamoille and Orleans Counties, enabling homeowners and business owners to apply for federal financial assistance for everything from rebuilding costs to temporary housing expenses.

"I appreciate the Obama administration moving so quickly to approve this request," the Governor said. "This assistance will help Vermonters who have suffered damage or the loss of their homes and businesses get back on their feet."

Gov. Shumlin also thanked Vermont's congressional delegation - Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Peter Welch - for continuing to press Congress to replenish FEMA's disaster assistance fund.

The counties of Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor had already been approved for individual assistance by the White House. Assessment of damage to homes and businesses in Franklin, Lamoille and Orleans Counties was completed on Sept. 13 and the declaration request submitted to FEMA on Sept. 14.

The IA declaration will allow home and business owners who sustained damage from the Tropical Storm to apply for reimbursement for repairs, temporary housing costs, septic system replacements, entrance and exit ways from the home, including privately owned access roads, and more. Vermonters impacted by the storm in these counties should call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit www.disasterassistance.org.

Every county except Grand Isle has received a Public Assistance Declaration, which provides federal assistance for repair and replacement of roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. Gov. Shumlin submitted a request for that declaration for Grand Isle on Thursday and is hoping for swift approval.

emphasis mine
Got it: (update)

Gov. Shumlin announces that Grand Isle County has received Public Assistance Declaration

MONTPELIER - Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that FEMA has approved a Public Assistance Declaration for Grand Isle County, ensuring that federal assistance for road, bridge and other public infrastructure repairs will be available for every county in the state.

"This is great news," Gov. Shumlin said. "There has been extensive damage to roads, public buildings, bridges and other infrastructure all over the state, and Grand Isle County had high power restoration costs. I appreciate the Obama administration moving quickly to approve our Public Assistance Declaration request for the entire state."

Damage estimates for Grand Isle County finalized on Wednesday exceeded the requirement to meet the federal threshold for assistance.