Senator Welch Champions Affordable Housing and Disaster Relief Initiatives in Vermont

In a recent visit to the Estey Organ Complex in Brattleboro, Vermont, Senator Peter Welch shed light on a dual-purpose mission: to support vital affordable housing development and to advocate for enhanced disaster relief funding for the state’s flood-hit communities. At the heart of Welch’s initiatives is a recognition of the pressing need to address both immediate disaster recovery and long-term housing shortages.

The Estey Organ project represents a significant stride towards mitigating Vermont’s housing crisis. By nominating this project for federal funding, Senator Welch is spearheading efforts to transform the national historic site into a beacon of hope for Brattleboro’s refugee population and local residents in need. The proposed renovation plans include a comprehensive cleanup of existing contamination, essential infrastructure upgrades to meet current codes, the installation of solar panels, and the creation of 28 new affordable housing units within the complex.

Parallel to his affordable housing advocacy, Senator Welch is vocal about the necessity for increased disaster relief funding following Vermont’s catastrophic floods. Nearly one year after the floods that caused estimated damages ranging from 180 to 496 billion nationally, with over 1 billion in losses attributed to Vermont alone, including significant destruction to state buildings, Welch is at the forefront, urging for more substantial support for the recovering communities.

Both of these initiatives underscore Welch’s commitment to the well-being and future resilience of Vermont’s towns and cities. By addressing the urgent need for affordable housing and advocating for robust disaster relief, Welch aims to fortify the state against both current challenges and future uncertainties.