An environmental group behind a plan to reduce damage from future flooding in Brattleboro, Vermont, has cleared its first hurdle with local officials.
The Brattleboro Development Review Board has approved the Vermont River Conservancy's project.
The Brattleboro Reformer reports the project seeks to restore the floodplain and wetlands in order to reduce flood heights and capture ice and other debris.
The group paid $145,000 for 12 acres in Brattleboro in October for the project. Executive Director Steve Libby says the land will be open space for people to use "passively."
The group has been approved for a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to remove contaminated soils.
Libby says the project still needs state wetlands and stormwater permits before excavators can begin.
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