Gov. Phil Scott introduces $1 billion plan for economic recovery and revitalization

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Contact:
Jason Maulucci, Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Jason.Maulucci@vermont.gov

Montpelier, Vt. — Governor Phil Scott and his Administration today presented a plan to strategically invest $1 billion in one-time federal money provided to states to jumpstart recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic and support long-term economic growth.

Adhering to the principles set in his Fiscal Year 2022 budget, presented in January, the package makes historic investments in projects and initiatives to address long-standing challenges and unaddressed needs, putting communities across the state on a path for recovery and setting course for a stronger economic future in every region. Additionally, the Administration’s proposals ensure the one-time federal money – which is not permanent, ongoing funding – is dedicated to one-time transformations rather than programs the State would have to continue to support with other sources of funding once this federal money is gone.

“This federal money provides an incredible opportunity to tackle some of our biggest problems that we haven’t been able to fully address in the past decade and put ourselves on a path to greater prosperity in the future,” said Governor Scott. “By investing in infrastructure, broadband and housing we can increase economic equity from region to region, helping communities across the state attract more jobs, families and private investment. With these initiatives, along with funds to ensure good jobs remain in Vermont, we can help create more opportunities for our kids, workers and families in every region.”

Through the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), Vermont received $1,029,500,000, which it has until December 2024 to allocate. The Administration’s plan recommends using the funds in five strategic categories:

  • $250.5 million for broadband and wireless connectivity
  • $249 million for housing
  • $200 million for climate change mitigation measures
  • $170 million for water and sewer infrastructure
  • $143 million for further economic development and recovery

The proposal also includes $17 million to cover administration and successful deployment of funds.

“We are pleased to offer the Legislature this starting point, which sets priorities that will help make sure we see the maximum value from every dollar of this one-time federal funding, and put ourselves in a position to grow the economy, make Vermont more affordable and protect the most vulnerable,” added Governor Scott.

Image courtesy of U.S. Department of State

10 thoughts on “Gov. Phil Scott introduces $1 billion plan for economic recovery and revitalization

  1. This is more liberal thinking and our fraudulent governor is knee deep in it.

    All we see are tax increases from the socialists and that includes our governor.

    I truly believe it is the intention of the socialist to various and debt another one of alinsky’s rules fulfilled.

    It’s no wonder he despised Donald Trump who wanted to reduce taxation on the population and actually created the best economy ever by doing it.

    God forbid common sense should be applied by Scott or the rest of the loonies in the state of Vermont or in Washington DC

    How quickly we forget that under Donald Trump and that great economy Scott was paying people to move to Vermont and he was complaining there were no people to fill all of the available jobs.

    Propaganda is the best tool the left has.

    The state of Vermont is doomed.

  2. Other than possibly the last bullet item, what does any of it have to do with all the hurt caused by the shut down? How about using it to help all the local businesses and families you hurt! Using it to cover up your past failures is a shame!

  3. 250 Million for Broadband? Some folks are going to get seriously rich, milking that cow.

    • More money for the never ending broadband rollout. This has to be one of the worst ROI’s EVER!

  4. One question: $200 million for ‘climate change mitigation?’ What is this ‘climate change mitigation ‘ going to look like? I can’t shake the feeling that this is going to be a jobs program for twinkly-eyed twits who graduated from Ivy League schools and wound up with worthless degrees like, ah, Conflict Resolution, Revisionist History of Atlantis, Early 20th Century Silent Movies, and Under Water Basket Weaving. They’ll be paid to stand on strategic street corners and loudly lament “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” during rain storms. I’d rather the money be spent on filling potholes and fixing bridges.
    Can you make that happen Governor Scott? Can you?

  5. WOW what a concept. Spend to save. I must have a huge bankroll somewhere. If the government forces me to pay taxes it must be in an account for me. But it doesn’t sounds like the Guns or Butter concept.

    Revitalize me, let me keep most of my money.

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