Vermont parks agency tells lawmakers it needs millions to fix toilets, wastewater and stormwater at 55 state parks

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation told a legislative budget committee on Feb. 19 that its network of 55 developed state parks requires more capital funding to maintain visitor facilities, water and wastewater systems and stormwater controls, and to replace aging maintenance shops.

Commissioner Danielle Spitzko said the parks system manages roughly $280 million in infrastructure and relies on a mix of state capital, federal grants and one-time funds to keep parks open and safe. "We estimate about $7 million a year to keep up with maintenance," Spitzko said, adding that the governor's proposed budget includes $3.5 million for FY 2026 and $2.5 million for FY 2027.

The agency highlighted three broad capital categories: visitor-facing facilities such as toilet buildings and contact stations; system-care infrastructure including drinking water and wastewater; and employee-care facilities such as maintenance shops and seasonal housing. Spitzko said the parks have 39 campgrounds, more than 2,000 campsites, 51 cabins and 29 beaches, and draw both Vermonters and out-of-state visitors.

Why it matters: committee members pressed the agency on specific projects and funding sources because deferred capital work, particularly on wastewater and new state stormwater rules, could force expensive repairs or impact public access. Spitzko…