Fayston updates culvert policy to meet FEMA reimbursement requirements

The Fayston Selectboard voted July 22, 2025 to adopt updated language on page 4 of the town's culvert policy so emergency driveway culvert replacement can be performed and expenses potentially passed to property owners. Selectboard member Chuck Martel moved to accept the wording and Michael Jordan seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Chuck and Ron signed the policy at the meeting; Mike will sign at a later office visit.

The inserted language reads in part: "In the event of an emergency, the Town of Fayston may replace one or more driveway culverts as necessary to expedite the reopening or reconstruction of Town roads. This action may be taken at the Town's discretion, to ensure public safety and restore road access. The Town may pass some or all of these expenses on to the property owner." Town staff said the change was prompted by FEMA requirements: to be eligible for reimbursement the Town must have a policy that authorizes such emergency replacements and clarifies expense allocation. Town Clerk Madi Vasseur noted the Town has received $455,816.43 in FEMA reimbursements so far from roughly $1.6 million submitted (new bridges excluded).