Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Flood Recovery topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richmond votes to apply for emergency watershed protection grants for eight flood-damaged homes
Summary
After inspections identified 30 sites and eight eligible locations, the Richmond Select Board voted to apply for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, appointing Town Manager Josh Arneson as the authorized representative; homeowners would provide a 25% match if they proceed.
The Richmond Select Board voted to apply for Emergency Watershed Protection Program grants to help homeowners at eight sites identified as eligible after a townwide inspection following recent floods.
Officials said the USDA EWP program examines rivers and streams that threaten structures and does the engineering for approved sites. "Once you're invited to apply for the grant you're pretty much approved," one board member said, noting that EWP funds typically flow through the town as the grantee while homeowners cover a 25% match. Staff advised that homeowners can opt out before construction costs are incurred.
The board moved and approved a motion to submit the application and appointed Town Manager Josh Arneson as the authorized representative for the grant. Board members emphasized the need to secure homeowner agreements before construction and that the town will track administrative costs for reimbursement under the program.
No construction will begin unless homeowners formally agree to the match and related project terms.
