MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – With one devasting hurricane in the rearview mirror and another expected to hit Florida later this week, FEMA officials are assuring Vermonters that the federal agency has all of the funding it needs to take care of all of its immediate disaster missions.
Congress this year allocated $20 billion for disaster recovery but as of mid-August, FEMA’s Disaster Fund had run out of money and the agency would only assist with immediate needs, which are described as “lifesaving and life-sustaining activities.”
William Roy, FEMA’s Vermont coordinating officer, says Congress may have to replenish funds later this year but they can currently handle all current and near-term disasters. “Right now, FEMA has all of the money we need. But we don’t know what the future is going to bring us. We do know that the administrator is going to look over the funds to help those in the greatest need at the time of impact,” Roy said.