State Approves $60M for Waterbury Dam Restoration amid Rising Project Costs

The Vermont government meeting held on February 14, 2025, focused primarily on the ongoing Waterbury Dam project, addressing funding concerns and project cost estimates.

The meeting began with discussions about the current status of the project, which has progressed significantly but still faces uncertainties due to the current administration's policies. A key point of discussion was the state’s financial contribution, which has been successfully negotiated down to a 7.1% match from the state, a significant reduction from the traditional 35%. This adjustment honors the historical contribution rate from when the dam was originally constructed in the 1930s.

Officials confirmed that $60 million has been appropriated for the project, although the estimated total cost has risen to approximately $90 million. This increase is attributed to extensive assessments conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which have revealed larger contingencies than initially anticipated. The state will be responsible for 7% of the federal allocation, which currently stands at $60 million.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential freezing of grant monies, but officials reassured that there have been no indications of funding being jeopardized. They emphasized the importance of maintaining regular communication with federal contacts to ensure the project's financial stability.

The meeting concluded with a suggestion to schedule a follow-up session to provide the committee with a comprehensive update on the Waterbury Dam project, highlighting its significance compared to other ongoing projects. The officials reiterated that the project cannot proceed to construction bidding without confirmed funding, underscoring the urgency of securing the necessary financial resources.