BARNET, Vt. (WCAX) – It’s been two months since flood waters ravaged parts of the region and there are still signs of what was left behind.
Some gravel still covers several roads in Barnet, but they are all passable. However, the public beach at Harvey’s Lake, which is a draw for locals and tourists alike, remains closed since the flooding.
“The entire beach is gone. Wiped out,” said Barnet Selectboard member Dylan Ford.
Town officials say the repairs and permitting plans are taking longer than expected.
“Public beaches are really tricky. We have shorelines, floodplains, lakes, and streams, ANR, DEC, they are all involved,” said Ford.
Earl Morrison owns Morrison’s Custom Feeds. “The roads are finally rebuilt, and power is restored. People have found places to live so I think we have all gotten through it,” said Morrison.
In neighboring Peacham, gravel-filled yards are also a reminder of summer flooding.
“I would have to say that the community has never been tighter. So many things happened in terms of everybody pulling together,” said Peacham resident Chuck Gallagher.
His rental property next door is still not ready for tenants. But thanks to federal dollars, Green Mountain Power is replacing the electrical system at no cost to customers and other organizations like Efficiency Vermont are replacing the hot water heater that was damaged during the flood.
Back in Barnet, most areas are back to normal. Like the road in front of the General Store, and adjacent Route 5.
“There is always tragedy associated with these giant natural disasters. But, Barnet has always been a really strong community,” said Ford.
At Harvey’s Lake, officials are hopeful it will be open to swimmers once again next summer.