Vermont’s flood-wracked capital city ponders a rebuild with one eye on climate change

Vermont’s capital city, which has been devastated by floods, is contemplating its reconstruction plans while keeping climate change in mind. Over the years, some businesses relocated to higher ground after experiencing flooding incidents, but the recent extreme weather events, including torrential rains in July, have shattered the illusion of safety. Climate change has made floods more frequent and severe, making it necessary for downtown Montpelier to rethink how and where they rebuild.

The floods in July resulted in tragic consequences, with two people losing their lives, and thousands of homes and businesses sustaining damage. Many communities in Vermont have historical ties to rivers, leading to roads and waterways being in close proximity, which presents challenges for future development and settlement.

After the previous major flood caused by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Vermont invested in rebuilding infrastructure to withstand future floods. However, the recent floods have shown that more work is needed to prepare for such disasters. Thoughtful planning is required to allow rivers more space to flood without causing as much damage to towns and villages.

The recent floods have left downtown Montpelier in ruins, with businesses struggling to recover from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods. Some businesses plan to increase their resilience to future floods by moving utilities upstairs and no longer using basements for storage. Others are considering relocating entirely. However, the challenges of rebuilding and reinvesting after multiple disasters have taken a toll on business owners, leaving them emotionally drained.

To support the rebuilding efforts, the state of Vermont has made grants available to affected businesses. Despite the funding, many business owners feel overwhelmed with the recovery process, which involves dealing with paperwork, insurance claims, and finding contractors.

The situation in Montpelier highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change and increase preparedness for extreme weather events in vulnerable areas.

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More about climate change impacts

• “Vermont floods: Climate change impact on small towns” – AP News
• “Montpelier, Vermont, struggles to rebuild after devastating floods” – Reuters
• “Climate change and increased flood risks in Vermont” – Nature Conservancy of Vermont
• “Lessons from Tropical Storm Irene: Preparing for future floods in Vermont” – Vermont Public Radio
• “Resilience and recovery after floods in Montpelier” – VTDigger
• “Vermont flood relief and support for businesses” – Vermont.gov
• “River management strategies for flood-prone areas” – US Army Corps of Engineers
• “Addressing climate change impacts in Vermont” – Vermont Agency of Natural Resources