(a) If a state of emergency due to an all hazards event is declared by the governor, the secretary of administration may expend from the emergency relief and assistance fund such funds necessary to meet match requirements for federal grants.

(b) The emergency board established by 32 V.S.A. § 131 may authorize the secretary of administration to expend from the emergency relief and assistance fund an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 to avert an emergency natural or otherwise as identified by the board, and to expend from the emergency relief and assistance fund to award low interest loans and grants to municipalities that sustain damage to public infrastructure as a result of a natural disaster and to persons whose homes, farms, or businesses are damaged by a natural disaster. Assistance under this subsection may supplement assistance provided through federal and local emergency assistance programs, but eligibility for federal or local assistance shall not be required for eligibility under this subsection.

(c) There is created an emergency relief and assistance fund to be administered by the secretary of administration as a special fund under the provisions of subchapter 5 of chapter 7 of Title 32. The fund shall contain any amounts transferred or appropriated to it by the general assembly.

(d) Funds utilized under this section shall be distributed in accordance with criteria and procedures established by rule by the secretary of administration.

(e) [Repealed.]  (Added 1999, No. 62, § 272a; amended 1999, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 278, eff. May 29, 2000; 2005, No. 209 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2005, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 282; 2009, No. 33, § 83(i)(1).)