Presidential Disaster Declaration Issued for Vermont’s Snowstorms

President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration to help Vermont recover expenses from December’s severe snowstorms.

The declaration on Wednesday triggers the release of federal money to cover some of the emergency work and repairs to damage caused by the storm that hit Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille and Orleans counties.

The White House says federal funding is also available to cover some of the costs incurred statewide to ease hazards caused by the Dec. 20-26 storms.

The declaration does not say how much money the state will receive, but it begins a process to determine reimbursable expenses.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says request from the state and further assessment of damage caused by the storm may lead to additional regions being declared major disaster areas.