Vermont Senator Peter Welch (D) announced “The Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act.”

COLCHESTER, Vt. — On Monday, leaders gathered in Colchester to assess the state of Lake Champlain and unveil a new bill to improve its health.

Vermont Senator Peter Welch (D) announced “The Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act.”

In partnership with Vermont, New York and Canada, the bill is intended to promote conservation efforts and protect lake ecosystems. The act authorizes $55 million to be used toward this work.

“Sometimes people will ask me, why do we spend money on this?” Senator Welch said. “We spend money on this because it’s our heritage. this lake was clean. this lake has a lot of use. This lake is a miracle of nature and it’s one of the wonders of the world as far as we’re concerned.”

Following his remarks, the senator joined in on the efforts by helping to decontaminate a boat before heading out on the water.

Story Written by Madeleine Ahmadi, NBC5

Story Link: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/champlain-connection-welch-lake-health/61668086