MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont lawmakers are highlighting new legislation aimed at assisting victims of last summer’s floods and to prepare for the next one.
Key Senate lawmakers introduced a package of flood bills abating taxes for flooded towns, restoring flood plainsand mapping areas that are at risk.
Senators also created a new resilience and mitigation fund for grant funds for towns and cities hit by future floods.
Lawmakers want the revenue to come from a new bill allowing Vermont to sue fossil fuel companies for their role in climate change.
“This is planning in the short, medium and long term. So, the business grants that went out immediately, then lots of things looking into the medium distance, and then something like the 259, the climate superfund and the disaster mitigation fund working together, that’s long term,” said Sen. Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden County.
The Senate is still considering a $3.5 million ask from Montpelier and Barre to lift up homes from the floodplain.