For Release as of 3/28/2019
Title: Montpelier Conservation Commission Awarded Lake Champlain Basin Program Grant for a Collaborative Stormwater Project with the Vermont State Employees Credit Union
March 28, 2019---- The Montpelier Conservation Commission (MCC) announces receipt of a grant award from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to create a collaborative stormwater mitigation project with VSECU (Vermont State Employees Credit Union.) The grant will be administered by the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), with funding from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The project, entitled “Rain Garden and Bioretention Practice at VSECU,” will capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff before it reaches the Winooski River. VSECU and the MCC are grateful for this opportunity to improve local and state water quality and to build a stronger relationship between the public and private sectors.
The Rain Garden and Bioretention Practice at VSECU will treat runoff from a portion of the Credit Union parking lot, slowing water flow and reducing pollutants reaching the river. This will improve water quality in the Winooski River and Lake Champlain. The VSECU location, at One Bailey Avenue, was one of over 50 stormwater management opportunities identified in the City’s Stormwater Master Plan. VSECU is the first private entity to embark on such a collaborative effort with the Conservation Commission.
The project site, between the VSECU driveway and the Bailey Avenue bridge, is visible to pedestrians on the bike path, to Montpelier High School, and to vehicle traffic on a major entry route into Montpelier. MCC intends to use this opportunity to develop a template for further partnerships with local businesses to address areas of need in the Stormwater Master Plan. MCC also anticipates using the site to provide education about the importance of stormwater management and how it can be accomplished, while providing a beautiful garden for people to enjoy.
The commission plans to make public any volunteer opportunities available for residents to participate in project development and implementation for the Rain Garden and Bioretention Practice at VSECU.
Any questions or comments about the stormwater treatment project may be sent to the MCC Chair James Brady at james.jj.brady@gmail.com.
For more information about the Montpelier Conservation Commission mission and efforts please visit the City website https://www.montpelier-vt.org/398/Conservation-Commission.