Op-Ed: Fortifying Vermont’s flood defenses for the future

July 29, 2024 | By TJ Kingsbury

For the second consecutive year – exactly one year to the day – Vermont has been struck by catastrophic flooding, wreaking havoc across our beautiful state.

Kingsbury Companies, alongside many others, has been on the front lines of cleanup and recovery efforts these past few weeks, and we are still supporting Vermonters in the aftermath of this relentless natural disaster. The repeated damage we’ve encountered – crumbling roadways, devastated driveways, infrastructure deterioration, and access-blocking debris – underscores an unpleasant reality: flooding in our home state is not an isolated incident, but a recurring challenge we need to address with foresight and strategy.

From my front-row seat to the recurring destruction, I’ve learned that our communities and leaders need to work hand-in-hand to build a more resilient and prepared state. Kingsbury Companies has dedicated resources, time, and expertise to repairing and restoring, yet we recognize that our efforts are only part of a much larger solution that Vermont desperately needs as we wait for support from the federal government.

One critical measure that demands our immediate attention is the dredging of Vermont rivers like the Winooski and the Lamoille. Although this will not likely solve the long-range effects of our changing environment, the buildup of sediment and debris in our waterways significantly exacerbates flooding by reducing the capacity of the rivers to channel excess water. Dredging is a routine maintenance task and is at least one arrow in our quiver that's deployable. It is a vital flood mitigation strategy to enhance water flow, reduce the risk of overflow, and protect our homes and businesses from the worst of the floodwaters. 

However, our efforts to implement strong and comprehensive flood mitigation strategies are often impeded by regulatory constraints. Vermont’s Act 250, while designed to protect our environment, forces stringent restrictions that can hinder necessary and timely intervention. Specifically, the limitations on rock quarries and aggregate sources make it much more expensive and difficult to procure essential materials for flood prevention and repair projects. Restrictions like these not only increase costs but also force frontline professionals like ours to transport materials from faraway locations, further burdening our roads and vehicles and adding wear and tear to our already taxed infrastructure.

To effectively address the escalating threat of flooding, we need an approach that considers both environmental preservation and the need for infrastructure support long-term. Easing Act 250 regulations is a vital first step, especially those restricting resource allocation for flood mitigation projects, but it is going to take more than brief temporary relief during catastrophic events like July.

We need a regulatory framework that supports proactive measures like river dredging and the effective sourcing of resources without compromising the ecological integrity of our state. An even better approach would be a collaborative one that engages state authorities, environmental experts, and community stakeholders to devise and implement policies that safeguard our environment while protecting our homes, businesses, and livelihoods from recurrent flooding.

Vermont’s commitment to infrastructure investment must be unwavering. Roads, bridges, and public utilities are the lifelines of our communities, and their resilience in the face of natural disasters is non-negotiable. Prioritizing funding for infrastructure repair and enhancement not only aids in recovery efforts but will also strengthen our defenses against future floods.

My team and I remain steadfast in our mission to support our fellow Vermonters through these challenging times, working tirelessly to leverage our expertise and capabilities to restore communities. But our experiences remind us of the pressing need for systemic change that goes beyond immediate recovery. 

As storms in the east become more violent and drop more rain than we are used to, we can and need to better prepare for the floods of the future. If we do not commit more funds to correct deficient facilities and infrastructure, there will need to be a robust response plan to clean up homes, towns, and other important infrastructure as they continue to be washed away. 

The road ahead is demanding, but it is doable with collaborative will and decisive action. Together, we can face the rising waters with confidence, knowing that our efforts today will protect and preserve the Vermont we love for generations to come in an efficient and economical way. 

Waterbury resident TJ Kingsbury is president of Kingsbury Companies, LLC.