Press Release

Welch Secures Nearly $30 Million in Federal Funds for Vermont  

Mar 18, 2024

Additional federal funding for Vermont to come in the next budget vote

BURLINGTON, VTU.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced today he has secured nearly $30 million in federal funds in the recently-passed budget to support 19 Vermont projects. The projects will improve local infrastructure and accessibility, bolster economic revitalization, preserve community landmarks, and build more affordable housing. Project recipients were nominated by Sen. Welch through the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process.  

“Federal funds can help jump-start projects that make a big difference in the community—from improving our water infrastructure systems, to building affordable housing, to making a beloved public library more accessible for everyone. I’m thrilled that federal dollars are headed back to Vermont to help strengthen communities across our state. I will continue to fight for the needs of the Green Mountain State in Washington,” said Senator Welch

Sen. Welch secured the following federal investments to support Vermont communities:  

  1. $5 million for the Champlain Housing Trust for the Bay Ridge Neighborhood Development, which will create 68 permanently affordable apartments and 26 shared-equity condominiums 
  2. $5 million for the Bennington County Industrial Corporation for Mount Anthony House, which will result in 63 new apartments, two new medical facilities and additional retail locations in downtown Bennington 
  3. $4.75 million for the Vermont National Guard for an addition to the National Guard Readiness Center 
  4. $3 million for the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) for the Central Vermont Transit Operations Facility 
  5. $2.2 million for the Town of Waterbury to extend the water line to the East Wind Mobile Home Park  
  6. $1.24 million for the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department to upgrade and modernize the emergency communication radio network   
  7. $1.2 million for the Burlington School District to manage and treat stormwater from a new high school on the Burlington High School Campus 
  8. $1 million for the Brandon Public Library to improve the public library’s safety and accessibility  
  9. $1 million for the Springfield Regional Development Corporation for the Park Street School: Business Incubator & Accelerator  
  10. $865,000 for the Town of Berlin to replace a pump station   
  11. $825,000 for the Town of Fairfax for upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment facility  
  12. $824,000 for the Village of Johnson to build a new maintenance garage for the Village  
  13. $750,000 for the Town of Vershire to build a new garage for the Town 
  14. $500,000 for the Vermont Woodlands Association for technical assistance, education and outreach, and financial assistance for forest management to Vermont families who own forested lands  
  15. $408,000 for the Town of Highgate’s Recreation Facility roof and entrance repair  
  16. $400,000 for the Town of Lyndon for the Sanborn Covered Bridge revitalization project 
  17. $325,000 for the Town of Strafford for the preservation of the historic town office  
  18. $250,000 for the Norwich University Applied Research Institute to partner with NASA for security improvements to computer architecture  
  19. $45,000 for the Rutland Area Art Association for repairs to the Historic Chaffee Art Center 

The funding was included in the six-bill “minibus” appropriations package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 passed by the U.S. Senate on Friday, March 8th. The Senate will consider a second appropriations package by March 22nd. The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has given each Member of Congress authority to request Congressionally Directed Spending projects for inclusion in fiscal year appropriations bills.  

Senator Welch’s office is now accepting Congressionally Directed Spending requests for state and local government entities and non-profit organizations based in Vermont for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Requests must be completed and submitted via electronic application by Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. Learn more and apply on Sen. Welch’s website.

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