2014 Lake Champlain Action Plan – Citizen Recommendations

 

For Release: Immediate
Regarding: 2014 Lake Champlain Action Plan – Citizen Recommendations
Date: February 4, 2014
Contacts: James Ehlers, Chair, and Julie Moore, Vice-Chair
Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee (VTCAC) on the Future of Lake Champlain

Five Ways to Make a Difference for Clean Water

The Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain (VTCAC) is a governor appointed committee charged with making recommendations about the health of the Lake Champlain Basin—recommendations that may benefit other Vermont waters as well.

The recently released VTCAC 2013-2014 Lake Champlain Action Plan emphasizes five funding mechanisms designed to provide sustained funding that supports water quality. The VTCAC welcomes public comment on the suggestions in the report. They have planned a public meeting on Monday February 10, 2014 from 5-7pm in Middlebury at the University of Vermont Extension Office off of Exchange Street. Directions are below.

Clean water is fundamental to the economy of Vermont including agriculture, tourism, recreation and vital businesses. Vermont’s streams, rivers, in-land lakes and ponds, and Lake Champlain are some of our most precious resources. Our daily routines often involve robust wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, thoughtful land stewardship, public recreation access, and shoreline and habitat access. Sustained funding for comprehensive water quality improvement is essential to protect and restore Vermont’s waters.

The VTCAC members will share their recommendations and are interested in hearing more suggestions from watershed organizations, groups or individuals attending the meeting. Content of the 2013 – 2014 report focuses on five funding mechanisms that would raise revenue for a statewide water quality trust fund, utilize existing revenues more efficiently or promote changes in individual behavior related to water quality. The five priorities encompass: stormwater user fees, fertilizer tax, bottled water tax, clean water state revolving fund, and current use program adjustments.
Directions from the North: Take Route 7 South and turn right, onto Exchange Street (right after Hendy’s John Deere). Stay on Exchange Street for 1/4 mile, make a right onto Mainelli Road (right past Vermont Coffee Company). The University of Vermont Extension office is immediately on the left. Enter through front door and enter door on left.
Directions from the South: Follow Route 7 North past Middlebury Inn and continue on Route 7 to Elm Street (the intersection at the stop light by Maplefield’s Mobil). Turn left at light and proceed 1/4 mile to four corners. Turn right onto Exchange Street, go 1 mile (past Otter Creek Brewery and Agrimark), turn left onto Mainelli Road. The University of Vermont Extension office is immediately on the left. Enter through front door and enter door on left.
Contact: James Ehlers james@areteandassociates.com
Julie Moore jmoore@stone-env.com

Additional Information:

Members of the Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain are:
James Ehlers, Chair, Colchester, Business Executive
Julie Moore, Vice-Chair, Middlesex, Water Resources Engineer
Sen. Claire Ayer, Addison County, Huntington, Buels Gore
Eric Clifford, Starksboro, Dairy Farmer
Lori Fisher, Williston, Lake Champlain Committee
Paul Hansen, Alburgh, Business Owner
Rep. Bob Krebs, South Hero
Sen. Ginny Lyons, Chittenden County
Alex MacDonald, Lincoln, Builder
Mark Naud, South Hero, Attorney
Denise Smith, St. Albans, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain
Rep. Kate Webb, Shelburne
Sheri Young, Orwell, Septic Design & Environmental Consulting