Sewage and another S-word. (Vermont).

Vermont is engaged in a critical debate over "sprawl," a low-density and haphazard development pattern that devours open space and rural landscapes. Will we continue allowing it to consume our rural lands, turning the state into Anywhere, U.S.A.? Or will we start using land more sensibly and efficiently, focusing new development in growth centers, while protecting open space and farmlands?

Many factors contribute to the creep of sprawl in Vermont, notably state decisions on locating sewer lines--especially in rural areas. Their location and layout determines whether future development becomes sprawl. Sewer lines also promote the S-word by adding to developable land outside village centers, increasing its value for scattered development and creating the need for towns to actually encourage sprawl--to cover the costs of sewer construction.

In 1999, CLF-Vermont set out to change how the state invests in such construction. Under Vermont's land use law (Act 250), we opposed several major sewer proposals in rural "greenfields," proving that the state is violating growth management policies by funding such projects in areas that aren't appropriate or planned for high-density development.

We convinced the Dean Administration to make dramatic changes in its sewer- and water-funding policies. The state environmental agency is adopting innovative regulations this summer--drafted with CLF input--ensuring that in villages and traditional town centers, sewer and water subsidies will only be used to promote "smart growth." Funding priority will only go to sewer projects that stimulate community revitalization, replace and upgrade older infrastructure, and provide new services in designated growth centers. The state also agreed to analyze the sprawl effects of all sewer grants before awarding funds, and to ensure that towns have rigorous growth controls in place before new projects are built.

CLF-Vermont is now working to export the new sewer-location approach to other New England states.