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Last week Sen Leahy officially became Chair of Appropriations. Plenty of recent general stories on the power #VT will yield in spending matters this Congress. Curious how federal $ will be directed to VT? What's past is likely prologue, a thread w/recent examples 1/X
The health of #LakeChamplain has always been a priority for the Senator. Specifically directing funding through EPA and USDA to tackle point and non-point pollution sources. 2/x https://vtdigger.org/2019/02/22/leahy-announces-20-million-lake-champlain-programs/
Recent initiatives include money for this new @UVM_RSENR lake research vessel, fighting invasive species and strengthening our world class fishery https://www.wcax.com/2021/01/12/4m-uvm-research-vessel-under-construction/ 3/x
Agriculture in #VT is regularly evolving & adapting. In the last two years Leahy included millions for a new Dairy Innovation Center which is housed at @VTAgencyofAg & will support the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products https://suncommunitynews.com/news/85873/vt-dairy-innovation-center-to-help-area-farming/
The local food economy & #VT ag are intrinsically tied. To further expand local & national work in this area, Leahy included millions for a new center @UVMCALS within USDA’s Ag Research Service to focus specifically on #FoodSystems https://vtdigger.org/2019/10/08/uvm-usda-announce-new-partnership-to-help-small-farms/
Relief for major crises like COVID & TS Irene are funded through Appropriations. The same is true of the opioid crisis. This has meant millions for the VT Dept of Health & @UVM’s new Center for Rural Addiction which was funded through appropriations. https://www.vpr.org/post/uvm-gets-federal-funds-center-rural-addiction#stream/0
Higher Ed in #VT offers both career opportunities for Vermonters & serves as an economic engine. Leahy included funds in the Army’s annual appropriation to create a new Additive Manufacturing Center @VTTech which will support both VT students & biz https://www.ourherald.com/articles/vtc-awarded-7-9m-for-manufacturing-program/
At @Norwichnews this has included a host of cyber related activities and partnerships with the Dept of Defense and law enforcement agencies across the country. https://vermontbiz.com/news/2021/february/04/norwich-receives-195m-grant-lead-dod-cyber-institute-program
Funds in FAA's budget allowed for the @UVM Spatial Analysis Lab to join the FAA UAS Center of Excellence & they are leading work on disaster response, tracking invasive aquatic species - giving students real world experience & solving issues for #VT https://www.wcax.com/content/news/UVM-to-study-drone-use-during-emergencies-561779021.html?ref=021
Outdoor Rec has exploded in #VT this year because of COVID, but it’s always been a Leahy priority. A new @GMFL_NFS Visitors Ctr is being built in Mendon & infrastructure improvements have been funded @ the Moosalamoo Natl Rec. Area https://mountaintimes.info/new-6-million-gmnf-office-in-mendon/
https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/deliver/restoring-beloved-robert-frost-trail-increases-access-visitors
https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/deliver/restoring-beloved-robert-frost-trail-increases-access-visitors
Expect more funds for permanently conserving lands for public use. This should include additions to fed, state and local forests via multiple federal #conservation programs ttps://vtdigger.org/2018/08/03/leahy-secures-2-6-million-conserve-swath-forestland/ https://vtsports.com/vermontsports30/12/
A chief tenant of rural economic development in #VT is centered on the vitality of our downtowns and village centers. Leahy created a new fed #historicpreservation program that has invested in #VT community buildings and enterprises https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2020/08/29/preservation-trust-vermont-gets-745-k-national-park-grant/5668448002/
In the #NEK an appropriations provision gives local communities priority in applying for @USDA funds for community facilities, housing, water infrastructure and business grants https://vermontbiz.com/news/2018/october/05/ruraledge-nek-gets-25-million-affordable-housing
Transportation options come up w/almost every #VT community we visit with. Leahy has prioritized funds for public transit, including securing funds for building the #BTV and #Montp transit centers. https://vtdigger.org/2016/10/13/burlington-celebrates-opening-new-downtown-transit-center/
Because #VT is not an island, he has also worked to increase our transpo choices. Including a major terminal renovation @BTVAirport & funding the rail work that will extend the @Amtrak Ethan Allen to #Midd, Vergennes & #BTV
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2019/11/26/btv-airport-will-use-10-million-federal-grant-to-expand-terminal https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/us-dot-announces-10-million-tiger-grant-extend-amtrak-service-burlington
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2019/11/26/btv-airport-will-use-10-million-federal-grant-to-expand-terminal https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/us-dot-announces-10-million-tiger-grant-extend-amtrak-service-burlington
While its typically under the radar, freight rail holds economic and environmental benefits for #VT. This $20m for bridge upgrades will also help set the stage for passenger rail service between #Rutland and #Bennington. https://vermontbiz.com/news/2018/december/06/vermont-scores-20-million-investment-rail-infrastructure
As chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, Leahy has been the lead advocate in Congress advancing their mission. The most recent investment comes with this $30m facility upgrade for the Army Warfare School in Jericho to help the @VTNationalGuard train https://vtdigger.org/2019/12/24/army-mountain-warfare-school-awarded-30-million-for-new-facility-in-jericho/
Some components of State of #VT owned infrastructure need significant investment. A prime example is the Waterbury Dam, which Leahy appropriated $40m to repair.
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/sanders-leahy-welch-applaud-dam-repair-funding-for-vermont
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/sanders-leahy-welch-applaud-dam-repair-funding-for-vermont
In addition to these #VT specific examples, national programs that provide for food, housing and health care for Vermonters will also be at the fore. Lots of work to do, but lots of opportunity as well.
