PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Rosalie Sharp, Accessible Assistance Specialist
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-828-0141, ANR.HealthyHomes@vermont.gov
Montpelier, VT (December 12, 2022) – The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is providing a second round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners in repairing or replacing their failed or inadequate on-site water or wastewater systems – often referred to as wells or septic systems.
Eligible homeowners may apply for this round of ARPA On-Site funding (bit.ly/VT-On-Site) by January 31, 2023. The application process (https://bit.ly/OS-Process) includes submitting an online pre-qualification application. For assistance filling out the pre-qualification application, please contact by email: ANR.HealthyHomes@vermont.gov or by phone: 802-828-0141 or 877-344-0354 (toll-free).
“ANR’s mission is to protect both human health and the environment,” said Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner John Beling. “This funding helps us carry out this mission and help Vermonters gain equitable access to clean drinking water and sanitation.”
With limited funding, ANR will select approximately 150-200 priority projects to receive funding based on income, environmental impact, household demographics, and severity of system failure. ANR anticipates contacting applicants with their award status by May 1, 2023. Awardees must complete their projects and spend the funding by the end of 2026.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Have a failed or inadequate on-site drinking water and/or wastewater system (also known as wells, springs, septic systems or tanks, leach fields, drywells, or cesspools)
- Own and live on a residential property with either a single-family home or an owner-occupied, multi-family home with up to four units
- Earn a household income of less than $80,835 per year
Community groups cannot directly receive awards but can help homeowners apply or learn about the funding. For those with accessibility needs, ANR has a dedicated staff member to help fill out the pre-qualification application over the phone at no cost. To learn more and apply, visit the funding webpage (bit.ly/VT-On-Site).
“Wells and septic systems can be costly to repair,” said DEC Director of Environmental Compliance Adam Miller. “This funding will help many low- and moderate-income Vermonters to be able to afford these critical fixes that ensure safe, reliable systems and healthier living.”
ANR first announced this funding in 2021, and received an overwhelming response, revealing a true underlying need for lower income Vermonters to access support for basic water and sanitation at their homes. Previous applicants do not need to submit a new application as ANR will automatically consider their first application in the second round.
The $5 million in first round funding is currently being distributed to over 180 homeowners across the state.
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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.