Vermont Communities Seek $3.5M for Home Elevation After Catastrophic Flooding

In the wake of last summer’s severe flooding, two Vermont communities, Barre and the state capital, Montpelier, are seeking $3.5 million in state funds to elevate 20 homes, addressing the urgent needs of flood victims amidst a deepening housing crisis. Community leaders, during a Statehouse news conference, highlighted the critical situation of residents still grappling with the aftermath, emphasizing that elevating existing homes is a more cost-effective solution than new construction.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by stories of residents living in unsafe conditions, including a Montpelier woman and her children residing in a flood-damaged farmhouse without basic amenities. This funding request comes at a time when Vermont is facing budget constraints, but officials are hopeful, citing the proposal as a strategic move to preserve housing and keep residents safe in their communities. The initiative reflects a broader effort to find sustainable solutions for housing in flood-prone areas, including rebuilding strategies that make homes resilient against future disasters.