VERMONT SENATE PASSES S.310, A BILL TO IMPROVE
VERMONT’S RESILIENCY AND RESPONSE TO NATURAL DISASTERS
MONTPELIER, VT – Today the Vermont Senate passed S.310 which will support the State’s resilience and improve gaps in the State’s response to natural disasters.
“While we all rely on friends, neighbors, and community organizations during times of emergency, it is the government that has the resources and reach to have the greatest impact,” said Senator Ruth Hardy, Chair of the Senate Committee on Government Operations which sponsored the bill. “That’s why we took a deep dive into the government’s response to the floods at the state and local level…so that next time our state is hit with a catastrophic weather event, our government can do better for Vermonters. It is the government’s job to mitigate emergencies and keep the public safe when they do occur. This bill will help Vermont do just that.”
S.310 creates the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Fund to assist municipalities with infrastructure projects, creates stronger coordination of first responders, includes public works employees in planning and benefits, requires more comprehensive local & regional emergency planning, updates and clarifies stormwater utility statutes, improves emergency communications translation & interpretation services, supports the state swift water rescue operations, and provides additional support to all communities that were flooded last year.
“Following the 2023 floods, Vermonters experienced firsthand the gaps in the State's flood response and recovery efforts,” said Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth. “As Vermont continues to rebuild and recover from summer flooding events, and with more frequent future flooding events on the horizon, the Senate has maintained its commitment to addressing gaps in the State’s flood response to enhance future disaster preparedness and keep Vermonters safe.”
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You can learn more about S.310 on the legislative website.