FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release
Contact:
Emily Bird, Clean Water Initiative Program Manager
Department of Environmental Conservation | Agency of Natural Resources
802-490-4083, Emily.Bird@vermont.gov
Montpelier, VT (October 28, 2022) – Vermont’s Clean Water Board is asking the public to weigh in on how they would like to prioritize approximately $50.6 million, available through the State Fiscal Year 2024 Clean Water Budget, to clean up water pollution in Vermont’s lakes, streams, and wetlands.
The Board is asking Vermonters to provide feedback on the draft budget, including whether they believe funding levels are sufficient, whether they agree with the Board’s proposed prioritization of funding, and if they have specific recommendations for the Board’s consideration.
The Clean Water Board will review public comment before making its final Clean Water Budget recommendation in December 2022.
There are multiple ways for the public to participate in the process and provide feedback on the draft State Fiscal Year 2024 Clean Water Budget. Submit your feedback to the Clean Water Board via this short online questionnaire now through Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 4:00 pm and/or share your comments at the Clean Water Budget Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 8:30 am.
Prior to commenting, the public is invited and encouraged to learn more about Vermont’s clean water funding, the annual budget process, and the proposed State Fiscal Year 2024 Clean Water Budget by visiting the Clean Water Board webpage. There, information is available on the draft State Fiscal Year 2024 Clean Water Budget in multiple formats: an interactive online “Story Map”, a narrative overview document, and a pre-recorded presentation by state agencies’ staff.
For more information, visit the Clean Water Board webpage. To request assistance participating in the public comment period or to request a printed copy of the questionnaire, email ANR.CleanWaterVT@vermont.gov with subject line “SFY 2024 Clean Water Budget Public Comment.”
State of Vermont agencies work together each year to track and report on investments made from the Clean Water Budget and other funding sources, and the results of those investments. Visit the Clean Water Projects webpage to view the latest Vermont Clean Water Initiative Annual Performance Report and access the Clean Water Interactive Dashboard to learn more about investments in and results of state-funded clean water projects.
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The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
