The Vermont village of Jeffersonville has received a $125,000 grant to help buy and conserve four acres of land in a flood plain that had been slated for development.
The land had been picked as a site for a 16-pump gas station and convenience store.
The grant Vermont Housing and Conservation Board grant will help the community buy the parcel for $402,500 to prevent the proposed development.
Village officials say the site is near the confluence of the Brewster and Lamoille rivers and had major flooding in April 2011.
VHCB executive director Gus Seelig says conserving land along rivers and floodways develops flood resiliency while allowing for public recreation and wildlife habitat preservation.
A citizens group has raised $127,000, bringing the total raised to $252,000 to buy the land.
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