Municipal Grants in Aid Program

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) administers the Municipal Grants in Aid Program to provide technical assistance and financial support to Vermont municipalities in implementing road-related best management practices (BMPs). The initiative is designed to bring municipal road segments into compliance with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP), aiming to reduce erosion and improve water quality across the state. The program reflects VTrans’ commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and environmental conservation by facilitating BMP implementation on hydrologically connected roadways—those that drain directly into surface waters. The program for State Fiscal Year 2027 (SFY27) will provide grant funding to eligible Vermont municipalities that submit a completed Letter of Intent (LOI) by May 1, 2026. Municipalities that agree to the program's terms and are compliant with MRGP requirements at the time of award will receive funding offers based on the number of qualifying road miles in their jurisdiction and the number of total participating municipalities. In cases where some municipalities opt out, unallocated funds may be redistributed to increase awards for others. The grants cover up to 80% of documented construction costs, with recipients contributing a minimum 20% local match through cash or in-kind services. Eligible administrative expenses may also be reimbursed, up to 10% of the total award or $1,500, whichever is lower. To participate, municipalities must execute a grant agreement within 60 days of award notification and secure written construction authorization from VTrans before initiating any project work. Grant funds support the implementation of BMPs such as stone or grass-lined ditches, turnouts, cross culverts, gravel addition, erosion stabilization, and installation or upgrades to culverts and outlets. All BMPs must be constructed on hydrologically connected road segments and be fully compliant with MRGP standards upon completion. Pre-construction authorization and post-construction assessments are required for compliance verification, with reports submitted to the DEC via its designated portal. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2027, and all performance reports and reimbursement requests are due no later than December 30, 2027. The program reimburses municipalities directly, based on submitted documentation using the official VTrans invoicing format. Any work completed before formal execution of a grant agreement or without proper authorization will not be eligible for reimbursement. The LOI form requires certification of municipal commitment to these terms, including posting clean water signage during construction (for selected projects), and excluding use of match funds from other state or federal sources. Contact for the program is Ross Gouin, Grants in Aid Program Manager, with support from assistant coordinators Ashley Andrews and Elise Grout. Applicants can access the required forms and guidelines through the official VTrans website. The program underscores VTrans' broader objective of ensuring environmentally sound infrastructure upgrades while providing financial support tailored to the unique characteristics of Vermont's municipalities.

Do not begin construction without written authorization from VTrans.