Summary of Federal Cooperative Agreement Award

Award Details: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $12,068,260 to the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) under the Geographic Programs – Lake Champlain Basin Program (CFDA 66.481) on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2030. This award funds NEIWPCC's Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) staff to coordinate and implement comprehensive water quality and ecosystem restoration activities across the Lake Champlain Basin, serving New York and Vermont in accordance with Section 120 of the Clean Water Act.

Products and Services Delivered: The award supports nine primary activity areas: coordination of state, federal, and local perspectives on basin programs; progress reporting to the Steering Committee and EPA; phosphorus reduction initiatives to promote ecosystem health; toxic contamination reduction to protect public health; regional coordination on water quality issues; management of invasive species; minimization of water-related health hazards; protection and restoration of wetlands, streams, and riparian habitats; and public education on program implementation and water quality goals. NEIWPCC implements these activities through 13 sub-awards to partners including academic institutions (University of Vermont, Dartmouth College, Paul Smith's College), conservation districts, non-profit organizations (National Audubon Society, Lake Champlain Committee, Boquet River Association), local government entities, and educational programs. Sub-awardee deliverables encompass watercraft inspection stewardship, riparian buffer expansion, floodplain restoration, stormwater infrastructure improvements, invasive species management, mercury and phosphorus research, invasive plant control, cyanobacteria monitoring, environmental education programs, and watershed stewardship initiatives designed to benefit all residents of the Lake Champlain Basin through improved water quality, healthy ecosystems, and informed public engagement.