Vermont projects in line for major federal support

A view from North Bridgewater Road in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Major federal funding for nine local Vermont projects, including one that could revitalize a regional agricultural center, came one step closer to final approval this week.

That funding was in an appropriations package the U.S. House passed on Thursday, as announced by U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., in a statement. He highlighted a project involving the Rutland-based Vermont Farmers Food Center’s Heart of Vermont Agriculture Program. If the bill makes it through the Senate and is signed into law, this program is set to receive $1,688,000.

Welch said this and other Vermont projects in the legislation will help local communities "recover and rebuild" from the pandemic.

“From investing in a food-oriented business incubator that could create more than 50 jobs and revitalize Rutland County’s agricultural center, to funding the construction of Vermont’s first mass timber building, which would allow a beloved local museum in St. Johnsbury to make science more accessible to all — these projects will impact communities across the state," Welch said. "This is a critical first step and I will continue to push for this funding to be included as the bill moves to the Senate and hopefully signed into law.”

The legislation also included more money for affordable housing, public health infrastructure, education, and green energy projects. Additionally, the package carries an amendment from Welch, which would increase funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $10 million to $3.9 billion for fiscal year 2022.

Each member of Congress was able to nominate up to 10 projects for this year's appropriations funding. Click here to see the community projects Welch nominated.

— Gareth Henderson