Vermonters have through Nov. 12 to weigh in on how the state should allocate approximately $43 million for projects protecting rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands.

The Clean Water Board is developing its fiscal 2028 budget recommendation. That budget year runs from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation's notice.

Past projects have included agricultural and forestry best practices, municipal water and wastewater treatment upgrades and stormwater management. The board is seeking opinions both on spending priorities and on whether proposed funding levels are sufficient.

Residents can email written comments to ANR.CleanWaterVT@vermont.gov with the subject line Clean Water Budget Public Comment. The department also links a questionnaire for people familiar with the budget's individual spending lines.

The notice scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 5. Written comments and the questionnaire remain open through Nov. 12.

The board plans to review submissions before making its final recommendation in December.