The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $17.5 million in loan and grant funding for the City of Vergennes’ water and wastewater infrastructure project.
Made through USDA’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program, the investment will combine with $7.5 million in leveraged funds secured through both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and American Rescue Plan Act.
The project will take place in two segments, including an overhaul of the wastewater treatment facility, five sewer main segment replacements, and a pump station upgrade.
“Clean drinking water and basic sanitation should be available for all rural communities,” said Sarah Waring, State Director of USDA Rural Development in Vermont and New Hampshire, in a press release. “But it shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment or the community’s growth and development. On the day before Earth Day, we are so happy and honored to invest in this transformative project with $17.5 million from the Water and Waste Disposal loan and grant program. With their historic decision to initiate this essential infrastructure project, the people of Vergennes are taking action against climate change while improving public health and expanding opportunities for new businesses and new residents.”
Situated along Otter Creek, a direct tributary of the Lake Champlain, Vergennes has outdated and inadequate water infrastructure. Discharge into the Lake violated the state’s water-quality bill, Act 64, as well as permitting standards set by the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Once the project is complete, Vergennes will meet NPDES and Act 64 requirements. The project will improve sanitation and public health, mitigate climate change risk, and elevate overall water quality in the watershed.
