Municipal Highway and Stormwater Mitigation Program
Municipal Highway and Stormwater Mitigation Program supports Vermont communities with studies and construction projects to reduce highway runoff pollution, protect wildlife, and maintain habitat connections.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Transportation
Due Dates: December 4, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: 80% federal funding / 20% local match; scoping studies typically $40,000–$70,000 total; salt sheds capped at $750,000 total
Summary: Supports Vermont highway-related stormwater pollution mitigation and environmental projects through scoping and design/construction grants.
Key Information: Design-only projects are ineligible; projects other than scoping studies must advance to construction to avoid repayment.
Description
The Municipal Highway and Stormwater Mitigation Program (MHSMP) is administered by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) through its Municipal Assistance Section. It supports environmental mitigation directly related to surface transportation or highway runoff, including stormwater management, pollution prevention and abatement, reduction of vehicle-caused wildlife mortality, and restoration or maintenance of terrestrial and aquatic habitat connectivity.
MHSMP shares an application and guidebook with the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Grants support scoping or feasibility studies and projects progressing through design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. Salt and sand sheds may qualify when they prevent water contamination by covering existing piles. VTrans determines whether an awarded project receives TAP funding, MHSMP funding, or both; pedestrian, bicycle, Safe Routes to School, historic, and archaeological activities are identified as TAP-only uses.
