It's been a little over three months since Tropical Storm Irene came through Vermont and dealt us our worst natural disaster in decades.
While there is much work still to be done, we can look back and say that what has been accomplished since the storm has been amazing.
“It's pretty remarkable to see where we are after three months,” said Gov. Peter Shumlin to the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting at the Putney Inn. “We have an awful lot to be proud of.”
Certainly, the scenes of neighbors helping neighbors, and the speed in which repairs were made astounded the rest of the nation. Compared to other states affected by the storm, Shumlin said that Vermont was in better financial shape and prepared to move forward on his other policy priorities, such as expanding broadband Internet access and reforming Vermont's health care system.
Thanks to the work of Vermont's Congressional delegation, the state will be getting $15 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation to rebuild and repair storm-damaged roads. That will help, said Shumlin, but the storm still caused an estimated $250 million in damage statewide.
While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to provide millions of dollars to towns, the process of getting that money is slow. The Shumlin administration estimates that towns will need about $140 million in FEMA reimbursements to cover Irene repairs, and there are no plans for the state to offer direct financial assistance.
The state is doing its part to help cash-strapped communities by allowing them to defer payments to the Education Fund until Feb. 28, and with early delivery of highway and education aid payments to storm-affected towns. Low-interest loans are also being offered.
Every bit counts, for at least a dozen of the 45 small towns hardest hit by Irene had losses that exceeded $1 million.
For example, in Halifax, the storm did $7 million of damage to roads and bridges. The town's annual budget is about $700,000.
Wilmington sustained $14 million in damage, mostly in the downtown area.
Grafton has had to borrow nearly $3 million, and needs at least $1 million more to pay for repairs to its infrastructure.
Newfane has had to borrow $2 million, and likewise for Chester.
These towns can't double their property taxes. It will take years to cover the costs of storm repairs, and there are many expenses that FEMA will not cover.
While Shumlin said he is hopeful going into the 2012 session of the Legislature, the reality is that dealing with paying for the aftermath of Irene will be almost as big a disaster as the storm itself.
Don't be surprised if the state has to come up with more money for these towns next year.