Aubuchon Hardware donates $25,000 to hurricane cleanup project

Getting rid of mobile homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irene is a costly impediment for many low-income households wanting to start over. But a public-private partnership spearheaded by Vermont state officials got a $25,000 infusion from Aubuchon Hardware, a northeastern chain of 130-plus hardware stores.

Marcus Moran Jr., Aubuchon president and CEO, presented the donation to Lt. Governor Scott and Lawrence Miller, Secretary of Commerce and Community Development, in a ceremony on Oct. 3. Aubuchon has 25 stores located in Vermont, according to the company’s website.

Typical disposal costs for mobile homes can run upwards of $3,500, particularly for older units. Vermont government officials were able to reduce this cost by requesting bulk pricing proposals from Vermont contracting firms for demolition, sorting, recycling and hauling of homes in the state’s dozen mobile home parks affected by the flooding. Under a special deal, the total disposal cost for each individual mobile homeowner will be $1,500.

Aubuchon’s donation went to the Vermont Community Foundation, which has agreed to act as fiscal agent for the mobile home removal project.