post-Irene report#4

Vermonters in southern and central sections of the state are still struggling to recover from damage done by Hurricane Irene. Another conference call occurred yesterday between the administration and legislators to share information. Many other phone calls and e-mails were exchanged. Here are the high points of what I received yesterday:

*Vermonters who call 211 need to follow up by filling out forms. This was new information to me yesterday and apparently is very important. Ask the folks at 211 about where to get the proper forms.
*Before and after pictures are critical. Take photos before any repair work is done, so the damage can be identified.
*Keep receipts too.
*Municipalities shouldn't have problem getting money from banks in anticipation of FEMA money. If there are problems, I want to know about it. Be sure to contact me right off, or contact your state legislator. Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
*The Administration is holding daily press updates because things are changing so fast.
*Waterbury had lots of paper damage but computer servers are getting up and running.
*State assistance checks should be delivered on schedule.
*There is discussion on the wisdom of even trying to get the state hospital back up and running.
There was severe damage to that facility and pouring money into it doesn't seem wise. But what do we do for placement of these patients? I could write an entire letter on this issue.
*The roads in southern and central sections of the state are very dangerous and the state is short on orange cones so if you are driving for business reasons, please be careful. Do not drive to sight see.
*This is the google address for road closings : http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&authuser=0&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=207918639007223745572.0004abbcfd13f9b62a59d

I hope the media will cover the flash flooding that happened Thursday in Clarendon, Ascutney, Rawsonville and surrounding areas. I got messages all night on this. There were two VTRANS workers that had to be rescued and another road collapsed in Clarendon. These guys are so brave it astounds me. Apparently they are OK.

That's enough for today. I'll be in touch. Contact me if needed: cbranagan@leg.state,vt.us

Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia