Vermont officials seek $7.2M to address flood risk in Lakewood

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Vermont’s officials say they’re looking for an additional $7 million to address flooding in the area, including flood mitigation measures that could potentially lead to more expensive repairs.

The state Department of Public Safety issued a request Tuesday to the city of Vermont and the city and town of Montpelier for additional flood mitigation funding.

The request said the city is seeking $3.5 million in emergency grants, including the “Lakewood Flood Mitigation Program,” and Montpely is seeking another $2.5 mln for flood mitigation.

It’s not clear if the funds will be used for flood-proofing.

The money could also be used to help pay for repairs to flood-damaged properties in Lakemont, where there are also $1.2 million in flood-mitigation grants, the request said.

In a letter to the mayors of Veron, Montpeliers and Montpellier, Vermont City Manager Mark Vigier said Vermont needs $6 million to repair its downtown and the town needs another $1 million to protect its property.

Vigier told the mayors the city has already had two major floods in the past year and expects more floods in coming years.

Vermont is the only Vermont municipality that’s under a state water quality requirement to use a flood control system.