RRPC receives water improvement grant

The Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Quality Division has recently awarded the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) a contract to administer water quality improvement programs to the 11 Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) in the state of Vermont. The grant is funded through the 604(b) program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is intended to promote water quality planning and improvements.

Last year’s 604(b) funding was used to identify and review more than 300 water quality improvements across the state, many of which were high priority projects. These projects were entered into the state’s database and, as a result, are now eligible to receive priority funding under Vermont Clean Water Act grants. 604(b) funding also supported work with municipalities to pursue reclassification of three Outstanding Resource Waters sites and a river in Windham County. 

“The RRPC is excited to advance this ongoing effort to identify and support the most vital water quality projects throughout the state”, said RRPC Executive Director Devon Neary. “By working collaboratively with our towns, regional planners, and watershed partners we can continue to improve our most precious natural and recreational resources that are critical to a strong Vermont economy.”

This year the RRPC will solicit water quality planning related work plans from partner RPCs and then administer sub-awards for eligible water quality planning projects. 

Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2023.