VT H0679

Division of Emergency Management must provide financial assistance to flood-impacted municipalities for emergency response costs, temporary housing, and infrastructure repairs while awaiting FEMA reimbursement, and cover 100% of required local match for federal flood recovery funding.

Establishes a Voluntary Buyout Program to purchase flood-prone properties at full fair market value and a Homeowner Assistance Program to fund building elevation, relocation, and flood-resilient reconstruction.

Expands the Municipal Mitigation Assistance Program to fund infrastructure upgrades (highways, bridges, culverts) and emergency access routes for rural and flood-prone municipalities, with a 20% local match requirement.

Agency of Transportation must provide technical assistance for stormwater management design, flood resiliency projects, and grant applications; create an Asset Management System to track emergency equipment and personnel; and maintain a regional fleet of heavy machinery for debris removal.

Appropriates $5,225,000 from the General Fund in FY2027: $225,000 for two new Division of Emergency Management positions (Municipal Grant Liaison and Flood Mitigation Technician) and $5,000,000 for flood recovery projects in Essex and Orleans Counties.