Members discuss 'Slowcamp' omission, program history and match rules for working‑lands funding Committee members reviewed past program investments and debated whether to set a fixed match percentage for working‑lands grants; members favored leaving match terms open for agency expertise and noted that 'Slowcamp' was not included in the governor's recommendation.

The committee grapples with the absence of 'Slowcamp' in the governor's budget while debating the future of working‑lands grants and match requirements.

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Working Lands coalition pushes for larger base and one‑time funding to support supply‑chain projects The Working Lands Coalition, represented by the Vermont Council on Rural Development and Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, asked the committee to raise the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative base to $1.5 million and provide $3.5 million one‑time to meet backlog needs and support processing, storage and distribution projects that unlock private investment.

The Working Lands Coalition is calling for a significant funding boost to transform Vermont's supply chain infrastructure and unlock millions in private investment!

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Vermont Heavy Timber says $50,000 Working Lands grant eased winter bottleneck and supports hiring plans Miles Furness, owner of Vermont Heavy Timber in Huntington, told the Working Lands Board the company used a $50,000 Working Lands grant to build a drying shed, easing a winter storage bottleneck, enabling growth and plans to hire 3–4 staff while continuing restoration work to federal preservation standards.

A $50,000 grant has transformed Vermont Heavy Timber, allowing them to overcome winter storage challenges and expand their team while preserving the state's historic structures.

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Working Lands Initiative reports $19.5 million funded over 12 years; lawmakers pressed for more funding as demand soars Agency staff told a legislative committee the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative has funded 593 projects totaling $19.5 million and stewarded roughly 25,000 acres since 2012; FY25 awarded 38 grants from a roughly $1.06 million pool while requests exceeded $5 million, prompting lawmakers to press for clearer metrics and larger appropriations.

Vermont's Working Lands Initiative has funded nearly $20 million over 12 years, but demand is skyrocketing with over $5 million in requests for just $1 million in available funds!

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