Spring 2026 Activity

Nearing Final Design Completion

  • Dubois & King completed 90% Design (D90) on March 31, 2026.
  • Once the D90 has been reviewed by the Waitsfield Community Wastewater Team, the D90 set will be shared with VTrans, DEC, the Division for Historic Preservation, and project funders, with permitting approvals anticipated as part of that process.
  • Additional topographic survey work will be conducted at the end of March 2026 to support recent design refinements, including realignment of the conveyance pipe along Slow Road (instead of VT 100) and incorporate additional service connections.
  • Dubois & King will conduct subsurface utility locating at proposed pump station sites (Fiddler’s Green, Upper Irasville, Bridge Street, and Waitsfield School) in early April 2026, to confirm existing conditions and identify any potential conflicts with final design.
  • Dubois & King has also developed an updated inventory of trees potentially affected by construction, including those along the main conveyance route and individual service connections in coordination with the Waitsfield Tree Board. Significant trees have been identified for potential avoidance and design adjustments are being explored to minimize impacts where feasible.
  • The treatment facility and disposal system will be located on the Town-owned Munn Site at the intersection of Kingsbury Road and VT 100. Development of the disposal area requires clearing roughly 2.5 acres of trees. To comply with funding requirements and protect sensitive wildlife habitat, tree clearing must occur before April 15.
  • Final Design completion is targeted for June 2026.

2026 Community Outreach

  • Since January 2026, approximately 70 priority parcel site visits have been conducted with parcel owners to share project updates, gather field data to inform final design, and discuss anticipated connections.
  • Landowners are in the process of being notified of survey work, subsurface utility locating, and tree clearing.
  • The project will require permanent easements and user agreements for system connections, pump stations, and conveyance infrastructure. Town staff are working with legal counsel to develop draft agreements for distribution to affected property owners spring 2026.

Funding Updates

September 2024: The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) awarded the town of Waitsfield $2,508,085 in State American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Village Water and Wastewater Initiative funding, which will pay for the entirety of the project’s final design activities through biddable contract documents (ESA Amendment #3) and be available for construction. This funding must be spent by 9/30/26.

Fall 2025: The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Catalyst Program awarded the Town $1 million to support connections to Waitsfield School; the project is currently undergoing NEPA review. Waitsfield also secured a USDA Rural Development package in fall 2025, including a $649,000 grant and a $7.552 million loan.

February 2026: The Town of Waitsfield submitted a new Project Priority List application to VT DEC for the FFY26/SFY27 funding cycle. Because of Waitsfield's strong ranking on Vermont's CWSRF (Clean Water State Revolving Fund) Intended Use Plan (IUP), the project qualifies for CWSRF construction financing, including eligibility for a 50% subsidy and up to $1 million in loan principal forgiveness, with a deadline of June 30, 2026. 


Looking ahead, the Town is preparing applications for FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending requests through Vermont’s federal delegation, seeking EPA STAG Clean Water SRF funding to further support construction of the project.