Vermont Senators Secure Over $58 Million in Federal Funding for Local Projects

The funds will support housing, infrastructure, dental care, and workforce development across the state.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch announced that Vermont will receive over $58 million in federal funding from annual appropriations bills. The money will be used for a variety of projects, including affordable housing, water infrastructure improvements, a new dental clinic, and workforce development programs.

Why it matters

This federal funding will help address some of Vermont's most pressing needs, from the lack of affordable housing and access to dental care to the impacts of climate change. The investments in infrastructure and workforce development also aim to retain young Vermonters and support the state's economic growth.

The details

The funding includes $12 million for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to create affordable rental housing and develop shelters, $4.6 million for a new 46-chair dental clinic staffed by students, and over $3 million for an industrial park in Brattleboro that is expected to create 350 jobs. Other projects include water system upgrades, flood mitigation efforts, and expanding technical school programs.

  • The federal funds were announced on February 6, 2026.
  • The money comes from 11 annual federal appropriations bills for the fiscal year.

The players

Bernie Sanders

U.S. Senator from Vermont, Independent.

Peter Welch

U.S. Senator from Vermont, Democrat.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

A state agency that supports the creation of affordable housing and conservation of natural resources.

Ascend Housing Allies Inc.

A South Burlington company that focuses on supporting low-income people with housing.

University of Detroit Mercy

A Michigan dental school that has long sought to send dentists in training to Vermont.

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What they’re saying

“Too many people are homeless. Too many people are spending 40 to 50 percent of their limited incomes on housing.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator (vtdigger.org)

“What we need is to make sure we have workers in this state. And rolling out improvements to Vermont's infrastructure relies on having workers in the trades.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator (vtdigger.org)

“Considering the state's struggles retaining young Vermonters, it's important to make sure that young people have opportunities in the line of work they want to go into.”

— Peter Welch, U.S. Senator (vtdigger.org)

What’s next

The federal funding will be distributed to the various projects and programs in the coming months, with the goal of having the funds fully utilized within the next several years.

The takeaway

This significant federal investment in Vermont's communities and infrastructure demonstrates the state's ability to secure critical resources to address longstanding challenges around housing affordability, access to healthcare, workforce development, and climate resilience.