A new program from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has funding for low and moderate income Vermont homeowners to replace their home water or wastewater systems. Applications for the first round of funding are open through April 15, 2022.
Low-income Vermont homeowners often find it challenging to repair or replace failing on-site water (such as wells) or wastewater systems (such as septic tanks and leach fields), due both to the high cost and difficulty in navigating the regulatory landscape. These homeowners are disproportionately likely to have been financially impacted by the pandemic. In response, Governor Scott has proposed $3 million in ARPA funding to provide safe and reliable drinking water sources and wastewater disposal systems. The General Assembly provided an initial $1 million to support this work, and additional funding is anticipated in future fiscal years.
The Healthy Homes Initiative On-Site will provide assistance to low to moderate income residential property owners, including owner-occupied multi-family properties with up to four units.
Applications for the first round of funding are open through April 15, 2022. Starting April 16, 2022, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and funding will be provided as available. Detailed eligibility guidelines and application instructions are available on the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources website.
The program will also host a webinar on March 18, 2022 from 12:00-1:00 pm (Call In/Audio Only at 802-828-7667, Phone Conference ID: 361 521 6#) with more information about the application and award process.