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Vermont seeks public input on 2027 clean water budget

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 10:13 GMT by WCAX3
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Vermont Invites Public Feedback on 2027 Clean Water Budget, Emphasizing Infrastructure Modernization and Environmental Stewardship

On October 19, 2025, Vermont officials announced a comprehensive plan to seek public input on the state’s 2027 Clean Water Budget. The initiative, coordinated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Clean Water Commission, underscores the importance of modernizing aging water infrastructure, addressing climate‑related challenges, and securing long‑term funding for the protection of the state’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This article summarizes the key points of the announcement, the proposed budget framework, and the broader context provided by linked resources, including the DEC’s Clean Water Commission webpage and a downloadable PDF of the budget draft.

1. The Need for a Fresh Clean Water Budget

Vermont’s water systems—comprising municipal treatment plants, rural stormwater controls, and natural wetlands—have faced increasing pressure from population growth, infrastructure deterioration, and climate change. The 2019 Clean Water Commission report highlighted that over 30 % of the state’s treatment plants were constructed before 1990, and many have reached or surpassed their expected life expectancy. Meanwhile, flooding events have intensified, stressing stormwater management facilities that were designed for a much drier climate.

“The water infrastructure in Vermont is aging, and our climate is changing faster than our budgets have evolved,” said DEC Deputy Commissioner Linda Riddle. “We need to allocate resources in a way that protects public health, preserves our natural resources, and ensures compliance with federal and state water quality standards.”

2. Overview of the 2027 Budget Proposal

The draft budget, released as a PDF (link: https://www.wcax.com/assets/2027-clean-water-budget.pdf), outlines projected expenditures for the next four fiscal years. The key figures include:

The budget also allocates funds for:

• Upgrading Wastewater Treatment Plants: Refurbishing aeration tanks, installing membrane bioreactors, and expanding capacity to meet future demand.
• Stormwater Infrastructure: Constructing green roofs, permeable pavement, and retention basins in urban centers to mitigate flooding.
• Natural Resources Protection: Restoring wetlands and riparian buffers along major watersheds.
• Public Education & Outreach: Programs to inform residents about water conservation and pollution prevention.

3. Funding Sources and Financial Strategy

A significant portion of the budget will be financed through a combination of state taxes, federal grants, and debt instruments. The DEC’s Clean Water Commission webpage (link: https://dec.state.ver.us/cleanwater/commission) notes the following sources:

• State Water Infrastructure Tax: A modest 0.5 % surcharge on water bills, projected to generate $12 M annually.
• Federal Grants: Continued support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Water Fund.
• Bond Issuance: A $150 M municipal bond slated for sale in late 2025, earmarked for capital improvements.

“The bond issuance represents a strategic investment in our infrastructure,” said Riddle. “It allows us to spread the cost over time while ensuring that critical projects are not delayed.”

4. Public Input Process

The announcement outlined a phased approach to community engagement:

1. Online Comment Period: Residents can submit written feedback through the DEC’s public portal (link: https://dec.state.ver.us/cleanwater/public-input). The portal is open until November 30, 2025.
2. Town Hall Meetings: Scheduled across the state—Montpelier, Burlington, Brattleboro, and St. Albans—between December 2025 and February 2026. Each session will feature a presentation of the budget draft, followed by a moderated Q&A.
3. Stakeholder Workshops: Targeted sessions with water utility managers, environmental NGOs, and agricultural associations to delve into technical aspects.
4. Final Review: The Clean Water Commission will convene in March 2026 to synthesize public input and finalize the budget proposal for legislative approval.

“Citizen participation is central to our planning process,” stated Clean Water Commission Chair Matt Houghton. “We encourage everyone—especially those living near vulnerable watersheds—to voice their concerns and suggestions.”

5. Highlights of Proposed Projects

The budget draft lists several high‑impact projects that illustrate the state’s commitment to resilient water systems:

• Lake Champlain Watershed Upgrade: A $12 M investment in upgrading treatment facilities and installing real‑time monitoring for nutrient loads.
• Green Mountain Rural Water Initiative: $8 M dedicated to rural utilities, focusing on septic system upgrades and stormwater capture in unincorporated areas.
• Urban Flood Mitigation in Burlington: $15 M for green infrastructure—including bioswales and underground storage—to reduce downtown flooding risks.
• Eco‑River Restoration in the Winooski: $10 M for restoring wetlands and riparian zones to enhance biodiversity and water quality.

6. Historical Context and Legislative Backdrop

The Clean Water Commission’s 2018 report laid the groundwork for this budget, identifying over 400 infrastructure deficiencies statewide. In 2020, Vermont passed the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act, allocating an initial $50 M from the state’s Water Fund for emergency repairs. However, that funding was earmarked for immediate needs, not long‑term strategic planning. The 2027 budget seeks to bridge that gap by establishing a dedicated, multi‑year financing framework.

The proposed budget must still undergo legislative scrutiny. The DEC will present it to the House and Senate Water Committees in early 2026. Should the legislature approve, the budget will be enacted in the 2027 fiscal year, aligning with the fiscal calendar that begins in July.

7. Community Impact and Future Outlook

Vermont’s clean water budget reflects an ambition to balance ecological stewardship with economic realities. Proponents argue that investing in modern infrastructure will:

• Reduce Long‑Term Maintenance Costs: New systems require less frequent repairs and lower operational expenses.
• Protect Public Health: Upgraded treatment plants mitigate risks of contamination, especially during extreme weather events.
• Enhance Recreational Opportunities: Cleaner lakes and rivers boost tourism and local quality of life.
• Support Climate Resilience: Green infrastructure helps absorb stormwater, mitigating flood damage.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the debt burden and potential rate hikes for consumers. Riddle addressed these worries, emphasizing that the bond structure includes built‑in affordability controls and that the state’s credit rating supports manageable repayment terms.

8. How to Get Involved

• Submit Comments: Use the online portal (link: https://dec.state.ver.us/cleanwater/public-input) to add your thoughts by November 30.
• Attend Town Hall Meetings: Check local listings for dates and venues. Many sessions will be streamed live for remote participation.
• Engage with Local Water Boards: Contact your municipal water board to learn about upcoming projects and volunteer opportunities.
• Stay Updated: Follow the DEC’s Clean Water Commission page (link: https://dec.state.ver.us/cleanwater/commission) for real‑time updates, event announcements, and downloadable resources.

Conclusion

Vermont’s initiative to solicit public input on the 2027 Clean Water Budget represents a pivotal moment in the state’s environmental planning. By weaving together community voices, scientific data, and fiscal prudence, the state aims to safeguard its waters for future generations while ensuring robust, climate‑ready infrastructure. Residents, businesses, and stakeholders across Vermont are invited to shape the trajectory of this essential investment.