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FEMA disaster recovery center opens in Barre following July flood [Video]

On Sunday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a new disaster recovery center in Barre and another center is set to open in Plainfield on Monday.”One thing that we’ve really noticed is people in this town are very resilient,” said Kim Fuller, a spokesperson for FEMA.Barre residents are continuing to clean up after July’s flood, which was recently declared a disaster by President Joe Biden.Now, FEMA is back in town to help, and this time, there are some changes on the way.”FEMA changed some of the regulations to make the application process quicker, easier, a little bit more easily understandable and have more access to more programs,” Fuller said. The center is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also apply online, over the phone at 1-800-621-3362, or using FEMA’s app.One resident on Third Street told NBC5 that his home has flooded three times in the past 12 years.The last two floods ruined his basement and his antique car and have cost him thousands in repairs. Now, he’s looking to sell his home.Laurie Byrd lives in a different part of the city and said while her home is OK, it’s a different story for her family across town.”It’s been horrible, horrible for them as well,” Byrd said. “And they’re still trying to recover a lot from last year and then get here again this year.”Byrd said their damage is becoming more common to see around town.”All the down level, their basement, their whole yard got flooded right out,” Byrd said.It’s something FEMA wants to help fix. If you apply, they suggest you keep an eye on the status of your application. Down the line, if you don’t receive assistance, they’ll help you appeal that decision, too.”You can come here and we’ll help you write a letter and just say what you think is what the real situation is,” Fuller said.More information on how to apply for FEMA assistance in Vermont can be found here.More information on how to apply for an SBA disaster loan in Vermont can be found here.