GUEST COLUMN The magic of state matching funds

BY JOE FLYNN AND JULIE MOORE

As Vermont’s secretaries of transportation and natural resources, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strategic investments in transportation and water infrastructure.

These investments not only enhance our state’s connectivity and resilience, but also bolster economic growth, protect our natural resources and improve the overall quality of life for Vermonters.

There is currently unprecedented federal funding to support critical infrastructure needs across the state. Leveraging the full potential of these federal dollars is impossible, however, without state matching funds required to access that larger pool of federal dollars.

We want to highlight the recently completed Lamoille Valley Rail Trail project — a testament to the power of state matching funds in advancing vital projects, if we have the foresight to commit them.

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a remarkable initiative that has transformed a once-abandoned rail corridor into a vibrant multi-use trail traversing 93 miles of breathtaking Vermont landscapes. This trail connects communities, promotes outdoor recreation and boosts tourism and economic development opportunities along its route. Bringing this ambitious vision to life required substantial financial resources, and that’s where state matching funds played a pivotal role.

By committing state funds, Vermont was able to leverage federal funding, which provided the necessary resources to rehabilitate and construct key segments of the trail. The state’s commitment to investing its own funds demonstrated a strong partnership and dedication to the project, making it possible to secure federal support. The total

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MEMBER: cost for the buildout phase was $24.5 million, which includes 20 percent state funds of $4.8 million and 80 percent federal funds of $19.5 million.

The successful completion of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail demonstrates the wide-ranging benefits of leveraging state matching funds. Not only does it create a remarkable recreational asset for Vermonters and visitors alike, but it also serves as an engine for economic development and tourism. Local businesses along the trail have experienced increased foot traffic, and communities have seen a rise in visitors who contribute to the local economy. Furthermore, this project aligns with our broader efforts to promote active transportation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance public health.

Yet, the construction of this project was delayed for many years while Vermont struggled to carve out the state matching funds given the myriad competing demands on the state budget. It was only recently, when we finally began generating state surpluses, that Vermont was able to commit the required match.

The impact of state matching funds extends far beyond the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

Across Vermont, our transportation and water infrastructure faces significant challenges, with aging systems in need of repair and improvement. By utilizing state matching funds, we can maximize the impact of federal investments, tackling these critical needs head-on.

For clean water and drinking water projects through fiscal year 2027, the Agency of Natural Resources needs $27 million in state match funds to re - ceive an infusion of nearly $320 million of federal dollars. This combined funding would support approximately 80 water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 13 counties.

During the budgetary process, an analysis determined that the Agency of Transportation would need an additional $79 million in state investments for fiscal years 2024 through 2026 to make full use of eligible opportunities from federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing a minimum of $341.5 million in federal aid. This combined funding would support approximately 200 transportation infrastructure projects in all 14 Vermont counties.

The magnitude of these investments makes clear that state matching funds aren’t an op - see COLUMN page 7

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We want to send a huge thank you to Williston Families as Partners (FAP) for supporting this year’s summer early literacy program for our youngest readers.

We were able to distribute over 1,000 books to our students in grades PK-2. Research shows that reading is one of the best things a child can do to maintain their literacy development during the summer months, especially at this

We are disappointed by Gov. Scott’s decision to veto the 2023 Child Care Bill, which was passed by an overwhelming supermajority in both the House and Senate with support from Republicans, Democrats, Progressives and Independents. This bill is a direct example of what we can achieve with collaboration and when policymakers truly listen to the needs of their constituents.

We are on the doorstep of being able to stabilize our child care sector while also investing in the future

early stage in literacy.

This program gives our students the opportunity to pick their own books to take home, leading to a higher motivation level. We wouldn’t have been able to make the program a success without the support of FAP.

On behalf of our students, teachers and administration, thank you.

Abby Reynolds and Rebecca Ashford Summer Reading Committee Allen Brook School

of our state, thanks to the efforts of lawmakers and child care champions in every corner of Vermont.

On behalf of the tens of thousands of parents, grandparents, early childhood educators and employers who are counting on this landmark bill to make Vermont more affordable, grow our economy and support our kids, we look forward to working with lawmakers to override this veto.

Aly Richards CEO, Let’s Grow Kids

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Legislature overrode the governor’s veto on the Child Care Bill on Monday.

continued from page 6 tional “nice to have” investment but rather that they are essential. We must continue to prioritize the allocation of state matching funds to address the pressing needs of transportation and water infrastructure across Vermont. By doing so, we will continue to attract federal support and partnerships, amplify our impact and build a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for our state.

Let’s seize the opportunity to invest wisely in our infrastructure and secure the funds needed to make transformative projects like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail a reality. Together, with strong partnerships between state and federal agencies, we can create a Vermont that thrives on well-connected communities, vibrant natural resources and a high quality of life for all.

Joe Flynn is Vermont’s secretary of transportation and Julie Moore is secretary of natural resources.