BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Devastating flooding on this day in history led to sweeping changes in how the federal government handles disaster relief.
On June 30, 1973, the region was deluged by rain.
More than six inches fell on the Green Mountains that day. The resulting flash floods wiped out 26 highway bridges and several railroad trestles.
In all, the damage exceeded $65 million, but the real loss was two young boys who were swept to their deaths in the rushing water.
Parts of Vermont, New York and New Hampshire were declared disaster areas. In the aftermath, came new laws regarding flood insurance and a move by the Nixon administration to consolidate disaster response programs under one agency.
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