FEMA has approved nearly $50 million for disaster recovery and hazard-reduction projects across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, including road repairs, flood-prone property buyouts and utility upgrades.
The package includes more than $10.7 million through the Public Assistance program and more than $38.6 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, according to the agency.
Public infrastructure repairs span five states
Public Assistance funds repairs to critical infrastructure and public buildings, road work and eligible costs incurred to protect public health and safety after a disaster. FEMA distributes the money through state and local governments.
The approved projects include more than $3.8 million for permanent repairs to hydroelectric generation penstocks operated by the Hardwick Electric Department in Vermont after severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation will receive more than $1.7 million for repairs to the Historic Double-Barreled Stone Culvert and more than $1.1 million for permanent work on the Washington County Railroad's Montpelier and Barre Division.
In Maine, the town of Newcastle will receive more than $1.3 million to repair or replace roads and related infrastructure. The Vermont town of Craftsbury will receive more than $656,000 for bridge repair or replacement.
FEMA also approved more than $400,000 for roads, bridge components, guardrails and related infrastructure in Wentworth, New Hampshire, and more than $100,000 for culverts, headwalls and related infrastructure in Southbury, Connecticut.
Mitigation awards target future flood and utility risks
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program money supports work intended to prevent or reduce future disaster damage. Eligible measures can include buying hazard-prone properties, improving drainage, elevating structures, building safe rooms, strengthening utilities and adopting or enforcing building standards.
Vermont Emergency Management will receive more than $27 million to acquire and demolish 89 properties in more than 25 communities that have flooded or remain at risk. FEMA said the properties will be returned to open green space and restricted by deed to reduce future flood damage.
The city of Bath, Maine, will receive more than $5 million to upgrade the Hunt Street Pump Station to better manage sewer flows and eliminate overflows. Andover, Maine, will receive more than $178,000 for drainage improvements.
The Wareham Fire District in Massachusetts will receive more than $155,000 for generator installations serving its water purification plant and wells.
FEMA said it coordinates directly with states on hazard-mitigation projects under a model in which recovery and mitigation are state-led and federally supported. The agency said the projects are part of broader federal efforts to rebuild after storms, floods, landslides and other disasters while reducing future losses.
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