July 24, 2019
Montpelier, Vt. – As Vermont prepares to significantly increase the funds available for clean water projects, the state’s Clean Water Board is reaching out to Vermonters, asking them to weigh in on the best way to allocate funds. Public input will help the Clean Water Board make its budget recommendation, representing approximately $33 million of the $50 million anticipated to be available for water quality projects in State Fiscal Year 2021. Clean water funding supports municipalities, farmers, and others implementing priority projects to improve water quality in Vermont’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
“We want to hear directly from Vermonters on how they think these funds should be invested,” said Julie Moore, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary. “We’ve identified four priority areas for clean water projects: stormwater runoff from developed lands including parking lots and roads, agricultural conservation practices, natural resources restoration, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. We are asking the public to provide feedback on how much money should be directed toward each area. This feedback will allow us to better consider Vermonter’s priorities in making decisions about how to allocate funds.”
The Clean Water Board is accepting comments through September 6, 2019. The easiest way to provide feedback is via the Board’s 8-question online questionnaire, (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CWFSFY21). Vermonters are also invited to participate in the Clean Water Budget Public Hearing on August 22, 2019. Attendees will learn more about clean water funding as well as the budget process, and provide comments on the Board’s draft State's Fiscal Year 2021 clean water budget. The meeting will be held on Thursday, August 22nd at 10:00 am, in the Winooski Room, National Life Building, Montpelier and online (via Skype). To attend in person, please RSVP by email.
The Clean Water Board recommends annual clean water budget allocations, totaling $32.9 million for State Fiscal Year 2021. Vermont’s clean water funding comprises Capital Funds and the Clean Water Fund with revenue from the Meals and Rooms Tax allocation, Property Transfer Tax Surcharge, and unclaimed bottle deposits. The Board consists of five state agency secretaries: Administration; Agriculture, Food and Markets; Commerce and Community Development; Natural Resources; and Transportation. In addition, four members of the public are appointed by the Governor.
Learn more about how to participate in the clean water budget process at the clean water funding webpage.