Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces over $16 million in construction funding to Vermont schools to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution entering Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog from Vermont public schools through the Green Schools Initiative.
The Green Schools Initiative offers funding and technical assistance to help public schools and state colleges meet provisions outlined in the Vermont Clean Water Act; specifically stormwater run-off regulations outlined in the Three-Acre General Permit. The permit requires most sites with three or more acres of paved or developed surfaces, including roofs and parking lots, to treat polluted stormwater and reduce runoff before it flows into local waterways.
“The Three-Acre General Permit is an essential part of Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog’s restoration plans,” said DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “The Green Schools Initiative funding will help Vermont’s public schools follow these permits and improve the quality of water in our rivers, lakes, and ponds.”
DEC has partnered with Greenprint Partners and Lake Champlain Sea Grant to implement the Green Schools Initiative and pursue additional environmental and educational opportunities.
The Green Schools Initiative is made possible by the federal Lake Champlain Basin Program Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation funds and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Phase 1 of the initiative – launched in 2021 – is helping 65 schools with stormwater design and permitting. Phase 2 – beginning now – will help as many schools as funding allows to construct stormwater projects through 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Interested schools can learn more about Phase 2 funding and the upcoming webinar online. Schools that are selected for Phase 2 funding must meet a 10% leveraged funds requirement. Without this initiative’s support, significant engineering and construction costs would fall to school districts.
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.
Source: 10.12.2023. Montpelier, Vt. – Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
