MONTPELIER, Vt.—The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding Vermonters hurt by Tropical Storm Irene that the deadline for applying for federal assistance is Tuesday.
So far nearly 7,000 individuals and businesses have applied for aid and about $43 million in disaster assistance has been distributed in grants and low-interest loans, said FEMA spokeswoman Deanna Frazier.
She said some people hurt by flooding from Irene could be procrastinators or so wrapped up in taking care of themselves they haven't had time to apply.
"There are those Vermonters who are very hardy and think they don't want to take a government handout, Frazier said. "This is not a handout, it is a hand-up with your tax dollars."
Assistance is available for homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Irene, which left a swath of devastation following its Aug. 28 passage through Vermont. Thousands of homes and businesses across the state sustained some degree of damage on the flooding, the worst to hit Vermont since the epic flood of 1927.
"If you don't register you could be leaving money on the table that is available to help assist you in your recovery," Frazier said.
