Scott announces $5.6 million to 193 Vermont households to fix failed wells or septic systems

Vermont Business Magazine Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced $5.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help 193 low-to-middle-income Vermont households rescuing stranded or repair or replace inadequate on-site water or sewage systems wells, springs, sewage treatment plants and leach fields in 2022.

“These investments demonstrate our commitment to ensuring all Vermonters have access to safe, clean water,” said Governor Scott. “My team continues to prioritize support for ARPA water infrastructure projects throughout the state.”

This 2022 Healthy Homes On-Site funding round will help approximately 633 Vermont residents — including 146 seniors and 156 children — gain access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

“Since April 2022, we have seen massive public interest from Vermonters in need,” said DEC Commissioner John Beling. “It has become abundantly clear that this type of funding is critical to the people of Vermont who have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Around 1,200 applications have been received so far, and even more applications are expected in the coming months and years. Given the limited funding, the ANR Healthy Homes Initiative selected award winners based on the severity of the system failure, environmental impact, household income and household demographics.

The state estimates that over the next two years, an additional 400 Vermont homes will be powered to provide residents with safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.

“As we talk about protecting Vermonter from future crises, this program protects our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.”

“These issues, often hidden in our communities, impact the environment and the people we care about,” said Adam Miller, DEC director of environmental compliance. “At DEC, we are committed to expanding this funding to give even more Vermont residents the opportunity to repair their failing water systems.”

To be informed of future funding opportunities for the ANR Healthy Homes Initiative, sign up for the mailing list or visit the funding website to learn more.

Source: 3/5/2023. Governor. Montpelier www.vermont.gov