Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin says damage from overnight flooding Tuesday into Wednesday was wide-ranging but receding. He warned that Lake Champlain is nearing flood stage and will continue to rise in the coming days.
The Governor met with emergency and transportation officials at the state Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury on Wednesday. More than 45 roads had been closed and a bridge washed out in Johnson overnight Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon most rivers around Vermont were receding and dropping below flood stage. Lake Champlain continued to rise as snowmelt and runoff enter the lake. State and local emergency personnel expect flooding along the shores of Lake Champlain will be minor to moderate. Wednesday afternoon the lake level was 99.85 feet at King St Ferry dock gauge. Flood level is 100 feet.
Governor Shumlin and Transportation Deputy Secretary Sue Minter say the latest flooding is pressuring the transportation budget. They have written to Congressional leaders calling for full funding of the Highway Trust Fund.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.
