What is this program? The Permit Obtainment Assistance (POA) program is a beneficiary program that provides financial assistance to eligible 3-acre sites seeking to obtain Three-Acre Permit coverage. 

Who is eligible? Landowners/permittees associated with most 3-acre sites in the Lake Memphremagog, Lake Champlain, and stormwater impaired basins. Ineligible sites include: 

1. State and federally owned properties 
2. Manufactured housing communities (MHCs) participating in the existing state-funded “3-acre Permit Obtainment Engineering Services for MHCs” contract
3. Public schools eligible to participate in the existing Green Schools Initiative 
4. Businesses that do not attest that they are a “small business enterprise” 
5. 3-acre sites that have been integrated into a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit phosphorus reduction target. (These sites are no longer subject to the Three-Acre Permit standards or timeline and are therefore ineligible to receive this assistance.)  Landowners located within an MS4 community may consult with their municipal representatives to confirm if their site is integrated into the applicable MS4 permit. See list of MS4 communities here.

How is the program structured?  

1. All qualifying sites will be eligible for up to $49,999 in beneficiary payments. Up to $19,999 is reserved for permit review costs incurred during the Full Notice of Intent (NOI) (i.e., final permit application/authorization) submission and review process. Up to $30,000 is reserved for engineering costs/invoices. (Note: MHCs are not subject to these cost caps within the $49,999 total.)  
2. Eligible sites that have already applied for Three-Acre Permit coverage (i.e., Full NOI submittal) may be reimbursed for costs incurred following Three-Acre Permit obtainment/authorization, as long as all work occurred on/after March 3, 2021. 
3. Eligible sites that have not yet submitted a Three-Acre Permit application (i.e., Full NOI submittal) may invoice periodically while their Three-Acre Permit project is in progress. 

How to apply?  

1. Eligible sites can apply for this program through our ARPA 3-Acre Permit Assistance Form at ANR Online. Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2024, at 4:00 pm.  
2. View the POA Program Application Instructions for more details on how to apply. 
3. Following application submittal, eligible sites will receive an award notification followed by an award letter. The award letter outlines additional details and requirements for the program. 

Questions? 

1. Visit the ARPA 3-Acre Funding Programs webpage for more information. 
2. View the POA Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information. 
3. Contact Madeline Russell with POA program questions at madeline.russell@vermont.gov or 802-261-5739. 
4. Contact your DEC Stormwater Program Operational (3-9050) Reviewer with questions regarding Three-Acre Permit regulations and associated requirements; contact information found on this map.