Archive for September 28th, 2011

28 Sep

Sen. Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Tour Flood Damage

Posted by Julia Carlisle in Vermont.

Rep. Alison Clarkson introduces Sen. Patrick Leahy to Riverside Park Flood Volunteers

Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle visited Woodstock Wednesday for a tour of flood-damaged neighborhoods. Stops included FEMA headquarters, the Woodstock Farmers Market and the former offices of the Vermont Standard.

The Leahy’s also stopped by the Riverside Park where 9 to 10 homes were completely demolished by Tropical Storm Irene floodwaters along the banks of the Ottauquechee River. According to the non-profit group that runs the park, about two-thirds of the 40-unit mobile home park was affected by  flood waters. A month later the mud is still thick and debris strewn about as assessments of damages and costs to repair — for many —  remain  undetermined.

Some who live at Riverside Park have gotten their assistance checks from FEMA while others are still waiting for checks from insurance companies. Even with the full $30,000 dollars that FEMA can offer for short-term assistance, residents may not have enough to remove damaged homes and rebuild to new flood codes that require higher elevation concrete slabs and tie-downs.  However, the entire Vermont delegation in Washington D.C. and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin are working to get some additional money — some $1500 per homeowner  — for removal of damaged mobile homes. The set-up would be that Vermont town’s would remove the homes and receive the $1,500 reiumbursement.

At Riverside Park today, there were few residents on hand for Leahy’s visit, but some volunteers were at work today digging dirt and filling in under homes when Sen.  Leahy and Marcelle arrived.  The Leahy’s also got to speak with members of the Davis family who retold the story of being trapped by floodwaters on a mound and of their efforts to get recovery money.

Davis Family members speak with Sen.Patrick Leahy and Marcelle Leahy

 
One stop on the tour of the Riverside Park was at the flood-devastated home of  Woodstock Town Constable and Dispatcher Penny Davis who was not at home (probably working!) but who has left a bit of a display outside her mobile home’s front door — An American flag, a Retired Sign and another notification that the home is uninhabitable.

The Leahy's Stand in Front of the No Longer Habitable Davis Home

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leahy also took a moment to speak with volunteers.  Tom Young, representing the non-profit that operates Riverside Park says the volunteer effort is invaluable saving thousands of dollars for clean-up that would have had to be contracted out. There is still a need for volunteers this coming weekend (Saturday and Sunday) who are willing to dig and shovel dirt, work on trails and/or are willing to put basic carpentry skills to work. Check in at the Town Hall on Saturday morning or call Woodstock Dispatch to give your name as a volunteer.
457-2337.
 
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