State of Vermont seeks public input on Clean Water Budget

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Clean Water Board is seeking public input on the State Fiscal Year 2025 Clean Water Budget by November 20, 2023. Vermonters can weigh in on how they would like to prioritize approximately $39.6 million to fund projects to protect and improve the quality of water in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. State Fiscal Year 2025 begins July 1, 2024, and ends June 30, 2025.

“Each year, the Clean Water Board welcomes and values the public’s input to help guide its Clean Water Budget priorities,” said Agency of Natural Resources Secretary and Clean Water Board member Julie Moore. “Public comment is a critical step in the Board’s annual budget process, and we thank the public for their time and input.”

The public can share whether they think funding levels are sufficient, whether they agree with the priorities, and if they have recommendations. The Board will review public comment before making its final Clean Water Budget recommendation in December 2023.

The public is encouraged to visit the Clean Water Board webpage to:

• Learn more about Vermont’s clean water funding and the draft budget:
  
  • View a one-page snapshot of the draft budget,
  • Read an overview of the draft budget, and/or
  • Explore an interactive online Story Map with a budget presentation.

• Share your feedback on the draft budget with the Clean Water Board:
  
  • Complete a short online questionnaire by November 20, 2023, at 4:00 pm,
  • Email your feedback to ANR.CleanWaterVT@vermont.gov by November 20, 2023 at 4:00 pm with the subject line “SFY 2025 Clean Water Budget Public Comment”, and/or
  • Voice your comments online or in-person at the Clean Water Budget Public Hearing in Montpelier on November 2, 2023 at 2:30 pm.

If you need help participating in the public comment period or would like a printed copy of the questionnaire, email [email protected]. Use the subject line “SFY 2025 Clean Water Budget Public Comment.”

Visit the Clean Water Initiative reports webpage and access the Clean Water Interactive Dashboard to learn more about investments in and results of state-funded clean water projects.

If Emily Bird is not available at 802-490-4083 or [email protected], contact Gianna Petito at 802-636-7547 or [email protected].

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. 

To view DEC press releases online, visit our website at https://dec.vermont.gov/press_releases.