Federal funding is likely behind a flurry of approvals for big upgrades to municipal water and infrastructure systems around the state.
Dozens of municipalities in Vermont are working to upgrade their water infrastructure using federal funds that can be delivered to towns in a variety of ways. To use that money, towns need approval from those living locally, and several cities and towns asked voters to authorize their plans this Town Meeting Day.
In Colchester, voters approved an $11.5 million bond to build a municipal sewer system for 289 residents in Malletts Bay by a 2,027-839 vote. The project, which is estimated to cost $16.7 million, is designed to stop pollution from failed septic systems that leak into the bay, which is part of Lake Champlain.
The measure has been controversial for years; voters declined to approve a bond in 2019. Those who oppose have cited concerns about the effectiveness of a sewer system and potential development that the upgraded system could encourage.
This time, town residents outside of the project area won’t be on the hook for costs of the project — it would be funded solely by “grants and user fees from the 289 properties within the service area,” a letter from the Colchester Selectboard to residents says.
Town officials have been grappling with wastewater in the area since the 1960s. While levels of the bacteria often exceed the state standard in rivers and streams, it’s rarer for high levels to appear in lakes because of dilution and exposure to ultraviolet light, according to a 2015 determination from Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation, outlined in a town report. But levels of E.coli in Malletts Bay have often exceeded the standard.
In Vergennes, residents voted 384-60 to approve a $25.5 million bond for a massive overhaul of the town’s outdated sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant. The project won’t immediately move forward — the voters’ blessing will spur town officials to pursue more grant funding from the state.
The project is designed to stop untreated sewage overflows into the Otter Creek, which eventually reaches Lake Champlain.
An explainer about the project on the city’s website urged voters to consider its urgency, especially due to the sources of funding from state grants.
“To be eligible for additional grants and loans, the City needs to be able to demonstrate the availability of matching funds,” the site says. “Passing a bond will demonstrate that commitment.”
Montpelier voters approved $7.2 million for the reconstruction of East State Street. It will include both a new water and sewer distribution system, which will cost $3.2 million, and another $4 million for improvements to the roadway, sidewalk and bicycle infrastructure.
Town officials plan to use state infrastructure financing and grants as they’re available to help reduce those costs for residents.
Manchester voted overwhelmingly in favor of three ballot items that will allow the town to expand the town’s public sewer and water systems, including a $1.9 million bond to expand the public sewer system and a $1.27 million bond to expand public water.
