Montpelier Receives Nearly $11.8 Million in Federal Disaster Recovery Funding

MONTPELIER —The city of Montpelier has been awarded $11,782,017 in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair three city buildings severely damaged by the July 2023 floods.

The grant covers repairs to City Hall, the fire and police department buildings, as well as the fire department’s concrete sidewalk and ramp. The funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the disaster declaration FEMA-DR-4720-VT, following severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that affected Vermont.

All three buildings suffered significant damage to core infrastructure, including ceilings, windows, doors, drywall, insulation, flooring, electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, elevators, and stairs. The fire department sustained additional damage to its concrete ramp and sidewalk caused by underground water pressure.

Repair work will restore the buildings to their pre-disaster condition and bring them up to current building codes, which will include asbestos abatement at all three buildings, repair or replacement of damaged interior components, and replacement of the fire department’s exterior concrete sidewalk and ramp.

“We look forward to restoring city hall into a vibrant, resilient, and accessible community asset,” said City Manager Kelly McNicholas Kury. “We are grateful to our state and federal partners in the offices of U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, Sen. Peter Welch, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, FEMA, and the state of Vermont emergency management for assisting with the complex negotiations that got us to this award.” 

“City staff are excited to advance the restoration of these city buildings, which will incorporate resiliency measures to protect against future extreme weather events.” Montpelier Public Works Director Kurt Motyka reflected. 

The disaster recovery project also includes flood mitigation measures such as flood barriers and the elevation of critical equipment, measures designed to reduce damage from future flooding events.