The bill H.679 aims to enhance emergency management and support for flood-prone municipalities in Vermont by establishing various assistance programs and technical support initiatives. It mandates the Division of Emergency Management to provide financial assistance to municipalities affected by flooding, covering emergency response costs, temporary housing, and local infrastructure repairs while awaiting federal reimbursement. Additionally, it introduces a Voluntary Buyout Program and a Homeowner Assistance Program to help property owners in flood-prone areas with funding for property purchases, construction projects to elevate buildings, and relocation efforts. The bill also authorizes the Agency of Transportation to assist rural municipalities with infrastructure upgrades and requires the Agency of Natural Resources to implement stream flow and river corridor naturalization projects.

To facilitate these initiatives, the bill creates two new positions within the Division of Emergency Management: a Municipal Grant Liaison and a Flood Mitigation Technician, both aimed at enhancing grant support and technical assistance for flood recovery efforts. The bill includes appropriations for these positions and allocates significant funding for flood recovery projects in specific counties. Overall, H.679 seeks to improve the resilience of communities against flooding through financial support, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced technical assistance.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 19-306