Federal disaster funds to help Vermont during the pandemic have been approved by President Donald Trump.

The disaster declaration was approved Wednesday. It means a 75% reimbursement to state and local governments and some nonprofits.

“These funds are critical to the state as we continue to respond to, and work to recover from, this pandemic,” said Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, in a statement. “I appreciate our federal partners and President Trump’s quick response and release of these public assistance funds.”

We're told the state has already spent well over $20 million in response costs, including Personal Protective Equipment, medical equipment and personnel.

The final cost of the response is expected to be far greater.