Community Recovery Partnership | Nov. 17th
Entries Tagged as 'Flood Recovery'
Mad River Flooding Talk | 11/10
The Mad River Watershed Conservation Partnership, a consortium of the Vt Land Trust, Friends of the Mad River, and the MRV Planning District, is sponsoring an evening dedicated to understanding flooding in the Mad River Valley and how we’ve attempted to manage it.
It’s a Mad River: A look at flooding in the Mad River Valley & the evolution of river management
A presentation led by river scientists from the VT Department of Environmental Conservation, local river experts & historians.
November 10th, 6:30-8:30pm
1824 House Inn, Waitsfield
Agenda:
- Intro and welcome
- Irene: Holy Cow, that was A LOT of water
- What happened during Tropical Storm Irene?
- How did it compare to other flood events?
- How did the river change (before and after orthophotos)
- What did we do “right”?
- Areas for improvement?
- The history of the Mad River
- Major flood events since the 1800′s
- How the river channel has changed over time (historic orthophotos)
- How our management of the river has changed
- How the watershed has changed
- River Dynamics and Management
- Brief review of basic river science
- How flooding and erosion impacts our communities
- How our communities impact flooding and erosion
- How gravel extraction, straightening and rip rapping changes/impacts rivers
- Inherent conflicts with the river and our development
- Current management strategies (active and passive)
- Success stories
- What we have done right so far (i.e.: conservation projects)
- Questions
October VFN Breakfast Summary
Present: Robin Morris, Conner Soderquist, Betsy Jondro, Rob Williams, Josh Schwartz, Jordan Dietz, Ginny McGinn, Eric Brattstrom, Dottie Kyle, Stan Ward, Quayle Rewinski, Jasna Brown, Kathy Meyer, & Wendy Cox.
Join VFN in seconds for free @ http://www.valleyfutures.net.
Note: Our November VFN breakfast will take place on Friday, November 11 @ the Big Picture.
FLOOD RELIEF HQ UPDATES (Jasna+Betsy)
Jasna.Brown@gmail.com is your contact for any ideas and questions.
Masonic Lodge Flood Relief HQ phasing out by October 30. Shrinking office, moving into Phase 2 – General Contracting Phase – working with individual families on construction projects to try and get buttoned up by winter.
Volunteer Labor and Donated Materials in need! And need to raise more money for Contracting Phase – ideas, everyone?
How much? $30,000 for insulation, drywall, flooring, sheetrock needs in all these homes. (Thanks to Allen Lumber and Bisbees for their reduced prices on Irene rebuilding supplies!)
Discussion ensued.
Masons will be throwing a party for all volunteers – invitations out soon. (Let’s party).
FOOD HUB UPDATE (Robin)
Officially in business for meat processing! Start processing lamb on Monday. Kudos!
Working with UVM Extension to put together a food safety course.
New web site – http://www.madriverfoodhub.com with blog for promoting local food businesses.
First employee – Jake Finsen, working 7 am throughout the day. Meat processing – let’s go.
Thanks to Joey Nagy, Dan Holtz, Robin Morris, and everyone else who has helped get this going.
And don’t miss Joey Nagy’s Vermont Meat Company’s new product on shelves now – among the first meat to be grown, slaughtered and processed in-state.
SOIL CARBON CHALLENGE (Stan Ward)
Friday, October 21 @ 4:30 @ Three Springs Farm on Old County Road. Kick off event for Vermont. Check out related email from Stan for more information.
Back story: Ten year program to measure the amount of “soil carbon” in various places across the country, connected to soil fertility, climate change mitigation, etc.
MRV PLANNING DISTRICT UPDATES (Jordan+Josh)
Jordan reported on a “When Disaster Strikes” conference call, in which folks involved in disaster relief efforts shared their stories of transformation (exploring Greenberg, KS, etc).
Josh briefed everyone on Richard Heinberg’s Statehouse/legislature talk that happened yesterday – Senior Fellow at the Post-Carbon Institute and author of 10 books, latest is The End of Growth.
Josh briefed a UVM Sustainable Community Development class on the VFN and our model of a “non organization” to network and connect people.
Chris Badger, Waitsfield’s energy coordinator, announces $250 rebates for home energy audits – pick up apps for rebate forms @ Waitsfield town office.
MRV Energy Series continues – Monday, October 24 on Financing Energy Programs/PACE program – Big Picture @ 7 pm.
MRV River Meeting – October 27 – to explore Irene’s impact on the Mad River.
UVM/VFN Local Community Initiatives kick-off event on September 14 – 40 folks – final presentation date on Wednesday, December 7 @ Big Picture.
Decentralized Wastewater Study continues – looking at Irasville and Waitsfield. Contact Josh Schwartz for more details.
Be the change!
MRV Flood Recovery Resources | 8.30.11 | Updated 9.8.11
Funding
- The MRV Community Fund has reopened its flood fund. Grants are available, please call 496-3638 and leave a message, or email info@mrvcommunityfund.org with your name, phone number and the address were flooding occurred. Calls will be returned starting Wednesday, 9/7.
- The Difference Between 211 and FEMA per Governor’s website: Friday, September 2 – 8:22 a.m. – now that President Obama has signed a disaster declaration for the state of Vermont. The 211 call service is not the same as FEMA’s number for registration for federal assistance. Those who have suffered damages and losses in Chittenden, Rutland, Washington and Windsor counties can register for disaster assistance by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). NOTE: Suggest you talk to MRV Community Fund (above) first to make sure you maximize what you can receive.
- Vermonters helping Vermonters – An effort initiated to help Vermonters and Vermont Communities affected by the devastating flooding due to Hurricane Irene. 100% of all donations will be distributed to Vermont Communities and their businesses and residents in need, www.vtirenefund.org/about-the-fund. If you would like to contribute please make checks payable to: VT Irene Flood Relief Fund or VT Irene FRF, 7 Walker Terrace, Montpelier, VT 05602
- Financial assistance may be available to farmers. Info here in a press release from VEM about what you need to apply: http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/Post_Irene_Farmer_Release.pdf
Volunteering
- http://www.facebook.com/MRVpostIrene is functioning as a community bulletin board with road updates, volunteer needs/requests, etc. The Masonic Lodge at corner of Bridge Street is the central location for help offers/needs and resources. Call 496-6089 or visit website http://mrvhurricaneirene.com/.
- More MRV specific communication and updates on Valley Futures listserv. Sign up at http://valleyfutures.net.
- VTResponse.com is working to connect volunteers ready to help with those that need assistance. If you want to help clean up and rebuild, let the folks behind this site know.
Other Info
- The Masonic Lodge at corner of Bridge Street is the central location for help offers/needs and resources. Call 496-6089 or visit website http://mrvhurricaneirene.com/.
- Waitsfield road closure info at http://www.waitsfieldvt.us/
- State-wide road closures, dial 511 or http://www.511vt.com/
- Vermont Emergency Management continues to post updates via their Facebook page and their website: http://vem.vermont.gov/.
- If you need assistance or information from the state, dial 211 or visit vt211.org. House damage should be made at 211 and then a damage assessment report should be completed with the operator. Homeowners can begin making repairs to their homes as soon as they are able (per EOC release Sept. 1).
- NOTE: If you intend to make any kind of claim, whether you are a homeowner, farmer, or local government, you should document your losses with date stamped photographs before you clean up. Also document any costs you are incurring. You should also keep any hotel receipts or any other housing expenses incurred while you were displaced. FEMA inspectors are out in the field now assessing damage to homes. However, if you have not called 211 it is not too late, Vermont is early in the relief process and you have time to report your damage. 211 is a reporting point only and new contact information will be provided to register once a declaration has been made. 211 is now operating with more call takers; if you get voice mail please leave a message and it will be returned in due course.
- vtresponse.wordpress.com is another site aggregating information that may be helpful.
- Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom has hired Myers to drop off 2 large roll off dumpsters to help dispose of flood damaged items. Note: The dumpsters will be located in our FRONT parking lot. They should be delivered by Wednesday morning. Myers advised they cannot accept tires, appliances, chemicals/hazardous materials or electronics in these dumpsters.
- VT Division for Historic Preservation is collecting info for the Emergency Declaration on cost and loss to historic buildings, landmarks and archeological sites. Towns are working with the MRV Rural Resource Commission on this effort. Contact Ellen Strauss for more info: straussarc@madriver.com.
- The Preservation Trust of Vermont has set up a list of resources for historic places damaged by flooding that may be a useful referral as calls come in: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs041/1102172352505/archive/1107373832970.html. It is linked from their front page (http://www.ptvermont.org) and it includes info on their $500 matching grants for emergency conditions/engineering assessments.
- If your property was affected by flooding, your DRINKING WATER may be contaminated. BOIL you water until you confirm that it is potable. Contact the Vermont Department of Health to get you water tested for bacteria.
- If farmers experience damage to property or business, it should be reported to the county USDA Farm Service Agency (802-658-2803) or county Natural Resources Conservation Office (802-951-6796). These organizations are providing a summary to the Agency of Ag which will then forward to VEM.
- Natural Resources Conservation Services has the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) that can help protect property that is in threat of further damage if not immediately repaired. This program supports homeowners and towns facing immediate threats to life and property with 75% of the costs. They will send an engineer down your way to make an assessment. Call 802-951-6796 for information.
- Advice for flooded crops: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Important-Information-About-Flooded-Crops-for-Human—Animal-Consumption.html?soid=1101685099010&aid=vEFHos9v5s4.
VEDA Financing Available
Below is a press release announcing VEDA’s post-Irene emergency loan program for businesses and farmers. I’ve also provided the links to VEDA information and application for the agricultural loans.
http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/irene_veda.pdf – press release
http://www.veda.org/ – VEDA home page
http://www.veda.org/uploads/1314806432.pdf – info about agricultural emergency loans
http://www.veda.org/uploads/1314806495.pdf – agricultural emergency loan application
There are also emergency loans available for businesses. See the VEDA website for information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2011
Contact: Susan Allen at 802-279-8493
Or Jo Bradley, Chief Executive Officer
Vermont Economic Development Authority
802-828-5627
SPECIAL VEDA FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR HURRICANE-DAMAGED BUSINESSES AND FARMS
MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin, Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross, Secretary Lawrence Miller from
the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and VEDA CEO Jo Bradley announced today
that Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has allocated up to $10 million in special lowinterest financing for Vermont businesses and farms who suffered direct physical damage as a result of
Hurricane Irene.
The Hurricane Irene Assistance Loan Program funds are available immediately, the Governor said.
“This is important support for farmers and business owners across the state who found themselves in
the path of the storm,” Gov. Shumlin said. “I hope those in need will take advantage of this program.”
“Many of Vermont’s businesses and farms suffered significant damage as a result of the terrible flooding
caused by the hurricane,” said Bradley. “We want to do everything we can to help those affected
rebound as quickly as possible from these devastating losses.”
The funds will be available to help commercial businesses and farms who suffered direct physical
damage as a result of the hurricane. Affected not-for-profit organizations are also eligible for the special
low-interest financing.
Eligible financing purposes include, but are not limited to, damages to and/or losses of inventory,
equipment, business premises, feed, crops and livestock. The maximum loan amount under the
program is $100,000; the interest rate will be 1 percent for the first two years of the loan, with no
payments required during the first year. At the beginning of the third year, the rate will adjust for
commercial businesses to the VEDA Small Business Loan Program variable index, and for farm loans, to
the Vermont Agriculture Credit Corporation prime rate index.
Applications for financing may be obtained by calling VEDA at 802-828-5627. Applications may also be
downloaded and/or completed on-line at www.veda.org.
Applications will be reviewed and loans approved on a first-come, first-served basis until all available
funds are exhausted. For more information, please contact VEDA at 802-828-5627, visit www.veda.org,
or email info@veda.org.
MRV Relief Headquarters Established at Masonic Lodge
The Mad River Valley Hurricane Relief Headquarters has been established at the Mad River Masonic Lodge, Rte 100, next to Village Grocery. This hub serves as a way to connect resources to needs and volunteers to sites for the entire Valley Community. Staff will strive to be open 7 days a week from 8am-4pm. Volunteers are needed to begin staffing right away. Please contact juneand@madriver.com or efrankel@madriver.com if you are ready to fill shifts. Phone: 496-6089. Many thanks to the Masons and WCVT for making this happen.
MRV Flood Update Community Meeting Summary | 8.30.11
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)
- We are extremely fortunate in Fayston – other Vermont towns got “hammered.”
- Extraordinary clean up efforts in MRV – very grateful to road + emergency crews, volunteers, private companies etc.
- Damage: relatively minor…
- 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).
- 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)
- Town has declared a “state of emergency” and activated state and federal process for relief efforts.
- Bridge Street – “amazing” outpouring of support in Irene’s wake. “Worst of times, best of times” – devastation and clean up as quickly as possible.
- Town is supporting trash removal etc.
- Bridge Street and Covered Bridge closed; Bridge to be assessed/inspected tomorrow…track town web site, as info is constantly changing…
- 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.
- Notice that Brook, Joslin Hill and other roads impacted by May rain event – still intact. Bravo.
- Reminder: Bridge Street is HUB for information about where you can assist all over Valley. Check out Facebook page…
WARREN (Drew Cunningham, SB Chair)
- Route 100 to Hancock seems solid, but not beyond.
- Flatiron Road is closed – but will be rocking for Bike Race this week-end.
- Senor Road – closed, but culvert should show up tomorrow.
- Fuller Hill – one lane, filling in tomorrow etc.
- Prickly – passable, end of the week will get worked on.
- Covered Bridge closed – waiting for inspectors.
- 98 percent of septic in village back on.
- 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)
- Town is completely “devastated.”
- Thanks to the whole Valley for supporting us and showing up – THANKS. Applause.
- MRV crested 1/8 inch higher than 1927 flood – Munn Bridge is indicator.
- Two rivers: Mad and Winooski. Epic flooding.
- We have no paved roads.
- The only local road inaccessible is Moretown Mountain Road (Northfield way.)
- Local roads: 1 lane open; safety is an open question.
- Drinking water an issue – all town water is contaminated. We have water tank now.
- Needs: masks, rubber gloves, sanitary supplies. ANOTHER DUMPSTER, PLEASE. TWO, EVEN.
- 10. Concerned about contamination.
LIMIT: Avoid Moretown as “pass through” with cars if at all possible.
ADAM G – Valley Rep to State
- Call “211″ to report flood damage. VEMA is statewide emerg mgmt org. Make the call. 211.
- Flood Assistance for Businesses -
- Businesses – call # 828-3211 (new number in Montpelier.)
- VEDA is freeing up 10 million dollars in business loans. (Not much, but a start).
- i. Check out http://www.veda.org.
- Flood Assistance for Individuals
- Call “211.”
- US gov declared Vermont an “emergency,” not a “disaster” area. Big diff, actually, in terms of money, attention.
Notes by Rob Williams
ACCD Recovery Overview & Impacts on Historic Properties | 8.30.11
After the tremendous impact to individuals, businesses and communities by Hurricane Irene, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has compiled information for our partners to utilize to help answer questions and direct concerned Vermonters. Please check our website for up to date contact and resource information (http://www.dca.state.vt.us/).
Information for Vermonters and Visitors on Impacts of Hurricane Irene:
August 30th, 2011 Status of FEMA efforts:
The President has made an Emergency Declaration for Vermont. This type of declaration allows Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately assist with shelters, National Guard, emergency repairs, etc. FEMA is gearing up to do Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) in each of the 14 counties. The Goal of this phase is to document sufficient damage to get a Major Disaster Declaration from the President.
If you want information on road conditions, call 511:
“511” provides Vermonters and visitors to the state with information on state road closures. The Agency of Transportation is working 24/7 to update the information as fast as possible. AOT is working on a system to report local roads as well. Go to http://www.511vt.com for additional information.
If you are an individual and need immediate help, call 211:
“211” is the resource to help individuals access services now and to register information on individual property damage. (For more information, go to: http://www.vermont211.org/).
If you are a business (for-profit; non-profit; multi-family housing provider, etc.) call 828-3211:
If you are a business looking to report damage to your business or would like to speak to someone about additional resources available, please call 828-3211. The ACCD has set up a system to document damage to businesses and properties (both for and non-profit businesses, including mulit-family housing providers and services) in order to assist FEMA in their collection of information
Communities are reporting storm damage for inclusion in the preliminary damage assessment.
Communities also need to report damages and that information goes to the Vermont Emergency Management. The link to their site for communities to input information is at http://vem.vermont.gov/home/damage_report and filling out the survey on the site. The Regional Planning Commissions are also helping with emergency management for towns in their region. For contact information for an RPC in your town, go to http://www.vapda.org/.
Documenting Impacts to Historic Properties:
ACCD is helping to document impacts to historic resources for various reasons – a) When FEMA teams begin to work in communities they will be aware ahead of time of damaged/destroyed historic properties and can focus on those; b) It will give the historic preservation community a better sense of the extent and location of major damage and where we can help best during the recovery phase; c) It will help us better plan education and training information and workshops during the recovery phase.
What You Can Do Now:
If your property has been damaged, take immediate corrective action – - if your roof is leaking, put a roof on your building; if your carpets are wet, get them dried. If your collections or museum facility has been damaged, put your Emergency Plan in Place NOW.
FEMA recommends that you:
- Take lots of photos and document the damage
- Keep all receipts
- Document all volunteers who are helping out (you can use this for your cost share) – - Use a “Sign-in” book, with their name, time in, time out
- Take action NOW to protect your property
NOTE: You may or may not be eligible for FEMA or other federal assistance but in case you are, the above information will be critical.
As the Floodwaters Recede — A Checklist of Things to Do: (Courtesy Preservation Trust of Vermont, at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs041/1102172352505/archive/1107373832970.html) Adapted from: INFORMATION, National Trust for Historic Preservation Booklet No. 82, 1993, Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings, and provided courtesy of the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission.
The following checklist will help you respond to flood damage in historic and older buildings. Read the steps through carefully and take time to plan. While it is tempting to wade right in with a shovel and mop, it is very important to develop a plan for cleanup and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, overly zealous cleanup efforts can result in historic materials being carted away, excessively rough cleaning methods, and the unnecessary loss of historic fabric. The best way to prevent additional damage to historic structures and materials during a time of duress is to use caution and plan ahead.
- Follow all emergency rules, laws, and regulations
- Turn off all utilities
- Document building damage
- Wear protective clothing
- Stabilize any unstable structures with temporary bracing
- Use caution when pumping basement water
- Keep building properly ventilated
- Clean everything that got wet with a disinfectant
- Allow saturated materials to dry using natural ventilation
- Check for foundation damage
- Replace soil around foundation
- Save historic materials if possible
- Use caution when removing lead-based paint or any products containing asbestos
- Clean and repair roof and roof drainage systems to protect building from future damage
VT Emergency Management News Release | 8.30.11
VERMONT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASE
Date: 08/30/11
Contact:
Mark Bosma, Public Information Officer
Vermont Emergency Management
(800) 347-0488
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Vermont Emergency Operations Center Update
BURLINGTON, VT – Vermont continues recovery efforts following the storm that hit the state Sunday and Monday. The situation is constantly changing; this is the latest information from the state Emergency Operations Center.
So far, there have been three fatalities due to the storm. It is expected an additional death will result as the missing person from Mendon has yet to be found.
There are currently 13 communities that are unreachable by vehicle due to road damage. There are more than 200 roads that are still impassable state wide and all 500 road workers from the Agency of Transportation are on the street today working on repairs. Much of that staff is working with local road crews to make isolated towns accessible.
511 or www.511vt.com is available for state road conditions. THE PUBLIC IS ASKED TO NOT CALL 211 FOR ROAD CLOSURES – THEY DO NOT HAVE THAT INFORMATION AND THE EXTRA CALLS ARE IMPEDING THE STATE’S ABILITY TO REACH THOSE WHO NEED TO REPORT DAMAGE OR SHELTER INFORMATION.
The 13 isolated communities and another 8 that have only limited access will be receiving food, water and other necessities from the state later today. These supplies will be trucked or flown in to communities, depending on accessibility, by the Vermont National Guard. The provisions were shipped in Monday night from the federal staging area in Massachusetts.
The Vermont State Police continue in their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of those in flooded towns. 130 troopers and detectives have been providing security to communities, monitoring roads looking for compromised or otherwise dangerous sections, and welfare checks. The VSP has also been responding to accidents in damaged areas. Travel in damaged areas is strongly discouraged as it can be dangerous and it could hamper road repair, utility restoration and other recovery efforts.
The Red Cross has operated shelters on an ongoing basis since Sunday morning. Hundreds of people have spent the night at a shelter or have been fed by the Red Cross.
20,000 power customers are still without service. Utility crews have restored power to more than 30,000 customers since Sunday. Some could be without service until the end of the week as road conditions are making it difficult to access some areas.
President Barack Obama approved a Federal Disaster Declaration for Vermont on Monday morning. The declaration will provide 75% reimbursement to communities for repairs to public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings.
Those returning to flooded homes must have a licensed electrician inspect their electrical system before taking residence. Those who have pollutants like fuel oil or any other hazardous materials should call a professional hazmat cleaning service to clear it up.
Vermont Emergency Management will operate its Emergency Operations Center at the FEMA offices in Burlington at least until the end of the week. Contact information for the media is 802-951-2708.
Federal Funding + Watershed Protection Program
Info from Jill Arace, Valley resident and Executive Director of the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts:
As you’ve probably heard, President Obama has made an emergency declaration for the State of Vermont. This declaration releases federal funding to support emergency management personnel and their activities while we’re still in this emergency phase. At a later date, there will be further declarations that will release additional funds for both emergency assistance and reconstruction. Folks from various agencies are collecting data regarding damages to make requests for additional funds from Washington. Some of these programs will support repairs retroactively.
Here is a reminder that if you intend to make any kind of claim, whether you are a homeowner, farmer, or local government, you should document your losses with date stamped photographs before you clean up. Also document any costs you are incurring.
I’m attaching here information regarding the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program, which was updated yesterday. This program supports homeowners and towns facing immediate threats to life and property with 75% of the costs. NRCS is already working with a number of towns affected by the spring flooding through this program. There are funds remaining from that effort and new funding on the way. If our towns haven’t already contacted them, I suggest you do so asap – especially Moretown – and they will send an engineer down your way to make an assessment. As you can imagine, engineers are going to be at a premium over the next weeks and months.