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

Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced May 3 that $5.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding helped 193 low- to moderate-income Vermont households repair or replace failed or inadequate on-site water or wastewater systems like wells, springs, septic systems, and leach fields in 2022.

“These investments demonstrate our commitment to ensuring all Vermonters have access to safe and clean water,” said Governor Scott. “My team continues to prioritize supporting water infrastructure ARPA projects in all corners of the state.”

The 2022 allocation of the Healthy Homes On-Site funding will help approximately 633 Vermonters – 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 for Vermonters who have been hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

To date, they have received approximately 1,200 applications and anticipate even more in the coming months and years. Given limited funding, the ANR Healthy Homes Initiative selected awardees based on severity of system failure, environmental impact, household income, and household demographics.

The state estimates that an additional 400 Vermont households will be served over the next two years, providing clean drinking water and proper sanitation for its residents.

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

“These issues, often hidden from plain view in our communities, impact the environment and the people we care about,” said DEC Director of Environmental Compliance Adam Miller. “

Below is a list of the number of households receiving Healthy Homes On-Site Funding by county:

• Addison: 13
• Bennington: 9
• Caledonia: 15
• Chittenden: 13
• Essex: 8
• Franklin: 18
• Grand Isle: 3
• Lamoille: 7
• Orange: 16
• Orleans: 23
• Rutland: 13
• Washington: 16
• Windham: 18
• Windsor: 21
• Total: 193