As we watch the impacts of spring rains and melting snow on our streams, lakes and roads, we realize how important it is to work on water quality by preventing erosion and run-off. The legislature is currently working on a bill, S.96, that will raise needed revenue and focus more attention on watersheds that will not meet our clean water targets by people complying with their permit requirements alone. More local projects developed and implemented by watershed groups, natural resource conservation districts, regional planning commissions, municipalities, and property owners will have to be funded to accomplish our shared goals. 

 

The bill includes language that the State should commit to appropriating $50-60 million annually to ensure these efforts are continued. The bill has been passed by the Senate and was voted out by the House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife last Thursday. It is now in House Ways and Means to close a funding gap of about $8-10 million. Please support their work.

 

The CCRPC supports the State investing adequately to achieve clean water. We are encouraged by the progress the Legislature has made so far and support the effort to develop additional long-term revenue to meet Vermont's water quality goals. We look forward to working with all of our partners as these clean water initiatives continue.