Vermont flood victims share stories for Welch, Balint in Barre
BARRE, Vt. (WCAX) - Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Becca Balint heard testimony on Wednesday from victims of the 2023 and 2024 floods.
The event, hosted by the Climate Action Campaign, gave victims a chance to share their stories with elected officials.
Speakers also discussed how climate change is impacting extreme weather events and increasing demand on federal disaster relief funds.
Many who gave testimony said getting FEMA money was a long and difficult process.
“If anything should be bipartisan, it is a fast and efficient FEMA. We deserve better, and we need FEMA to be functional and effective as we continue to experience more disasters due to climate change,” said Lauren Geiger, a Plainfield resident.
A new $63 million congressional grant is set to fund 400 new housing units in communities impacted by the floods.
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