GUEST ARTICLE
by Carmen Zwack, Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division
This article was published in the winter 2024–25 issue of our newsletter.
Developing an Asset Management Plan (AMP) can help your public drinking water system overcome the challenges it faces.
The Capacity Development Program at the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are offering loans to municipal water systems to develop a full asset management plan. A municipality may receive up to $50,000 in planning loan forgiveness to develop and implement a DEC-approved asset management plan.
Brad Roy, Paul Sestito, and board members from East Hardwick Fire District #1.
How can an Asset Management Plan help your water system?
- Build an inventory and assess the condition of all assets
- Meet customer demands with a focus on system sustainability
- Develop a long-term financing strategy
- Prepare for shifts in regulatory requirements
- Prepare for asset failure and emergency situations
- Create a map of all assets
Are there any terms and conditions for the forgivable loan?
The forgivable loan is only available to municipalities. A board member AND the water system’s Designated Operator must attend our AMP workshop series before the loan goes into repayment. Additionally, the AMP must adhere to the guidelines outlined by Guidance 26. Please reach out to us for more information on these conditions.
Is there an application deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Are there any incentives for water systems to complete an AMP?
Yes, future construction projects will receive 75 additional points on the DWSRF priority funding list after a water system has completed an Asset Management Plan.
For more information on how to develop an AMP and the requirements for loan forgiveness, please contact cheryl.choge@vermont.gov or carmen.zwack@vermont.gov.