Editor’s note: This commentary is by Agency of Transportation Secretary Chris Cole, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz, Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Pat Moulton and Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Secretary Chuck Ross.
As Vermonters, many of us take advantage of our short summer by spending time outdoors with our families. Whether boating on Lake Champlain, swimming in Lake Memphremagog, paddling down the Connecticut River, or fishing in our backyard stream, summer in Vermont often involves recreating at a nearby water body. When we arrive at the water’s edge, we expect a cool, clear river, pond or lake stretched out before us.
Sadly, there are summer days when Vermont’s waters are unsafe for swimming, fishing and boating. Harmful algae blooms and other water quality concerns can result in beach closures and unhealthy conditions.
Everyone is frustrated when these poor conditions occur. It is our shared vision for clean and healthy waters that continues to inspire and compel us to take action to achieve Vermont’s clean water goals.
The Clean Water Fund’s revenues will be depleted and the fund will sunset in June 2018. Next session, the Vermont Legislature will decide what long-term revenues should be made available for clean water.
In recent years we made significant strides in response to this call to action. In 2015, the Vermont Clean Water Act was signed into law, creating new programs to address harmful phosphorus coming from our roads, developed lands, wastewater treatment facilities and farms. The Lake Champlain cleanup goals were issued this summer, and the implementation plan has been released for public comment. The Clean Water Fund was created, establishing a crucial source of revenue to support the implementation of new programs and activities that strategically target the highest priority activities first.
Progress is crucial because so much is at stake, not only for clean drinking water, natural ecosystems, and our own recreational enjoyment, but also for one of Vermont’s economic engines: our tourism industry. Vermont attracts $2.5 billion in tourism spending each year, of which $300 million is from second home owners and visitors in and around Lake Champlain. According to a recent University of Vermont study, a minor decrease in water quality in Lake Champlain — measured as just a one meter decrease of water clarity — could end up costing $12.6 million in reduced tourism spending every year in July and August alone.
Clean water is also valuable for protecting our investments. In 2015, the grand list in Georgia dropped by $1.8 million due to reassessments of 37 lakeside properties with declining water quality. The same UVM study projected that a one-meter increase in water clarity would result in a 37 percent increase in seasonal home prices. By maintaining clean water, we can protect property values and the economy statewide.
We will achieve clean water through three primary strategies. First, we must continue an “all in” approach. Together, state agencies, municipalities, businesses, farmers, partners and the public are in the best position to achieve our clean water goals. Everyone has a role to play. Second, smart investments in projects, programs and infrastructure remains key to our success. Targeting the highest priorities first will help us to reduce water pollution in the most cost-effective manner possible. Third, development of a long-term financial support for clean water will allow us to achieve our two-decade commitment to clean up Lake Champlain and Vermont’s waters statewide. The Clean Water Fund’s revenues will be depleted and the fund will sunset in June 2018. Next session, the Vermont Legislature will decide what long-term revenues should be made available for clean water.
Today, the right partners are in the “boat” headed for clean water. We have charted the shortest course, and have begun paddling in the same direction. We know that as Vermonters we must — and will — sustain our efforts and investments of time, money and commitment to build a new and enduring culture of clean water where we are all “all in”: working together to achieve the clean water Vermont’s future generations need and deserve.
