HARDWICK – Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) Secretary Lindsay Kurrle visited businesses Impacted by flooding on Tuesday, Aug. 27, during Governor Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day” tour of Caledonia County.
Mike Brochu (left), shows Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle the damage behind Mike’s Service Center that he owns with his brother Tom. The business escaped damage in 2023, but in July 2024 the Lamoille River behind his shop washed away his chimney and ate away at the building’s foundation.
Her visit was part of a day that began at The Inn at Burklyn, in East Burke where the Governor, his extended cabinet, local lawmakers and members of the public were in attendance. Gov. Scott told the gathering he meets with his entire cabinet weekly to tackle pressing issues, including the state response to flooding.
Kurrle then went to Hardwick where she met with owners of flood-damaged businesses.
Her first stop was with Mike Brochu. Mike’s Service Center on South Main Street escaped damage in 2023, but in July 2024 the Lamoille River behind his shop washed away his chimney and ate away at the building’s foundation. The river has changed course and stream bank restoration will cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle (left) speaks with The Flower Basket owner Nora Lakhani in Hardwick, Tuesday, Aug. 27 during Gov. Phil Scott’s annual “Capital for a Day” event. Lakhani told Kurrle that she needs help with the structure that’s been impacted by July flooding the last 2 years.
Across the street at The Flower Basket, owner Nora Lakhani told Secretary Kurrle she needs help. She owns the building and the store. She says last summer and this summer flooding impacted the structure. Specialized volunteers are coming to help her clean up and dry out her basement. Secretary Kurrle reports she is working on connecting Lakhani with business experts she can lean on.
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle (left) and others speak with Dave’s Sawmill owner Dave Stratton (in red shirt) in Hardwick, Tuesday, Aug. 27. Damage from July floods in 2023 and 2024 has destroyed all but one piece of heavy equipment, overwhelming this small sawmill, says Kurrle.
Secretary Kurrle then stopped by Dave’s Sawmill which was hit hard in 2023 and 2024. Dave Stratton owns and runs the business, with occasional help from kids and grandkids. These days Dave’s Sawmill focuses mostly on post and beam work. His says his beams are featured on the backside of the Hardwick Yellow Barn and inside the taproom at Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield.
Damage from both floods is overwhelming this small sawmill. Water damage has destroyed all but one piece of heavy equipment and flood debris is still in the mill yard. Secretary Kurrle and Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation staff gave Stratton some suggestions about how to move forward as he tries to decide whether to retire and sell or continue to stick it out
“On Capital for a Day, me, my team, the Cabinet, and their teams go into a county, visit, and listen to the people and places we serve,” said Gov. Scott at his weekly press conference, September 4. “We answer questions, offer help where we can, bring back ideas to improve in the areas where we’re not meeting their needs,” he added.
