FEMA Administrator, Shumlin Tour State By Air

VPR/Jane Lindholm

FEMA Administrator, Craig Fugate speaks at a press conference Tuesday at the Vermont National Guard facility at the Burlington International Airport. Accompanying Fugate were left to right - Lt. Governor Phil Scott, Senator Patrick Leahy, Governor Peter

(Host) The Federal Emergency Management Agency is starting to assess the damage in Vermont from Tropical Storm Irene.

FEMA administrator Craig Fugate toured the state by helicopter on Tuesday with Governor Peter Shumlin and other officials.

There's no estimate yet of what it might cost to repair the hundreds of badly damaged roads and bridges in the state. But Vermont has been assured by FEMA that the federal government will contribute 75 percent of the cost.

Still, that means the state and local budgets will be paying for one-fourth of the repairs - and the total bill will likely be very steep. Even so, Governor Shumlin is confident he'll be able to find the funding - and without having to tap into the state's rainy day fund:

(Shumlin) "You know, I don't think we'll need to. I think we'll be able to get the resources that we need to make Vermont's match - either through existing dollars, or frankly through a legislative appropriation in these tough times." 

(Host) FEMA administrator Craig Fugate says it will take days, not weeks,  to get initial dollar estimates to the President to start federal funds flowing into the state.