Dear Friends of Vermont Lakes,
On this absolutely gorgeous day of the summer solstice, I am so pleased to share with you some good news.
Yesterday the state legislature overrode the Governor’s budget veto. This means that the $500,000 budget appropriation for the Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) Grant in Aid Program and the restoration of the ANC and Lake Wise positions in the Lakes and Ponds program are confirmed for the state fiscal year 2024.
This marks the first time that the Grant in Aid program, which funds the prevention and control Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in our lakes, will receive funding from the state budget. This is a major step forward in halting the spread of AIS and controlling existing infestations.
Many thanks to all of you who work so hard to protect Vermont’s lakes and ponds and who made your voices heard throughout this process. And a special shout-out to Candy Moot of Seymour Lake, Virginia Renfrew of Miles Pond, and Chris von Alt of Maidstone Lake for their tireless help and advice during the legislative session.
Working together, we can make a difference! This is a great first step, but we still have much work to do. Together we can do it.
Once again a huge thank-you to all of you!
Happy Summer!
Pat Suozzi
President
