Valley Futures

Here’s an update from each town’s select board representatives and our Vermont state rep @ Big Pic tonight (8.30.11 @ 7 PM).

TO ASSIST: Look at “MRVpostIrene” Facebook page, or show up at Bridge Street HQ to get daily marching orders.

Or, visit http://www.valleyfutures.net/blog to get VOLUNTEER CONTACT PHONE #S IN EACH TOWN. Call them to help on a daily basis.

Thanks to Josh Schwartz and the MRV planning district for hosting.

What Follows Is Town Updates – Bulleted Notes (Informal)

FAYSTON (Jared Cadwell, SB)

1. We are extremely fortunate in Fayston – other Vermont towns got “hammered.”
2. Extraordinary clean up efforts in MRV – very grateful to road + emergency crews, volunteers, private companies etc.
3. Damage: relatively minor…
4. Trouble spots–Rankin Road; back side of Center Fayston; German Flats Road (Slide + Chase Brook watersheds uncorked) – restored to 2 lane traffic (pavement and restored gravel).
5. Thanks to WWSU for delaying school 1 week to allow for roadbeds to be restored.

WAITSFIELD (Kate Williams, SB Chair + Sal Spinoza, SB & Incident Commander)

1. Town has declared a “state of emergency” and activated state and federal process for relief efforts.
2. Bridge Street – “amazing” outpouring of support in Irene’s wake. “Worst of times, best of times” – devastation and clean up as quickly as possible.
3. Town is supporting trash removal etc.
4. Bridge Street and Covered Bridge closed; Bridge to be assessed/inspected tomorrow…track town web site, as info is constantly changing…
5. SAL as “Incident Commander:” update of Tremblay Road (now 2-way, mostly); Covered Bridge; Bridge Street; Route 17 is now 2 way); Common Road; Dugway Road; Butternut Hill Road. BIG THANKS to road crews; construction companies; volunteers.
6. Notice that Brook, Joslin Hill and other roads impacted by May rain event – still intact. Bravo.
7. Reminder: Bridge Street is HUB for information about where you can assist all over Valley. Check out Facebook page…

WARREN (Drew Cunningham, SB Chair)

1. Route 100 to Hancock seems solid, but not beyond.
2. Flatiron Road is closed – but will be rocking for Bike Race this week-end.
3. Senor Road – closed, but culvert should show up tomorrow.
4. Fuller Hill – one lane, filling in tomorrow etc.
5. Prickly – passable, end of the week will get worked on.
6. Covered Bridge closed – waiting for inspectors.
7. 98 percent of septic in village back on.
8. State checked Route 100′s Kingsbury Bridge – OK for now – coming down in April and new bridge built (is the plan).

MORETOWN (John Hoogenboom, SB Chair)

1. Town is completely “devastated.”
2. Thanks to the whole Valley for supporting us and showing up – THANKS. Applause.
3. MRV crested 1/8 inch higher than 1927 flood – Munn Bridge is indicator.
4. Two rivers: Mad and Winooski. Epic flooding.
5. We have no paved roads.
6. The only local road inaccessible is Moretown Mountain Road (Northfield way.)
7. Local roads: 1 lane  open; safety is an open question.
8. Drinking water an issue – all town water is contaminated. We have water tank now.
9. Needs: masks, rubber gloves, sanitary supplies. ANOTHER DUMPSTER, PLEASE. TWO, EVEN.
10. 10. Concerned about contamination.

LIMIT: Avoid Moretown as “pass through” with cars if at all possible.

ADAM G – Valley Rep to State

1. Call “211″ to report flood damage. VEMA is statewide emerg mgmt org. Make the call. 211.
2. Flood Assistance for Businesses -
   1. Businesses – call # 828-3211 (new number in Montpelier.)
   2. VEDA is freeing up 10 million dollars in business loans. (Not much, but a start).
      1. i.     Check out http://www.veda.org.
      2. Flood Assistance for Individuals
         1. Call “211.”
         2. US gov declared Vermont an “emergency,” not a “disaster” area. Big diff, actually, in terms of money, attention.

Notes by Rob Williams

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