Vermont Governor appoints Doug Farnham as chief recovery officer after devastating July floods

Doug Farnham, appointed as Vermont's chief recovery officer in August 2023, provided an update on the state's ongoing recovery efforts during a recent Senate Government Operations meeting. Farnham, who has a decade of experience in various roles within the state's tax department, emphasized the significant challenges faced by Vermont following the devastating floods of July 2023. These floods caused more damage than the infamous Tropical Storm Irene, impacting numerous households across the state.

Farnham's role was established to ensure that the Agency of Administration (AOA) could concentrate on operational matters while he focused on recovery initiatives. He highlighted the importance of managing federal funds, particularly the $1.05 billion received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which has been appropriated over the past two years to support recovery efforts.

The meeting underscored the ongoing need for strategic decision-making regarding the allocation of these funds, as they are subject to legislative oversight. Farnham's insights reflect a commitment to navigating the complexities of disaster recovery while maintaining the essential functions of state government. As Vermont continues to recover, the focus remains on effective management of resources to support affected communities and ensure long-term resilience.