Federal funding is likely behind a flurry of approvals for big upgrades to municipal water and infrastructure systems around the state. 

Dozens of municipalities in Vermont are working to upgrade their water infrastructure using federal funds that can be delivered to towns in a variety of ways. To use that money, towns need approval from those living locally, and several cities and towns asked voters to authorize their plans this Town Meeting Day. 

In Colchester, voters approved an $11.5 million bond to build a municipal sewer system for 289 residents in Malletts Bay by a 2,027-839 vote. The project, which is estimated to cost $16.7 million, is designed to stop pollution from failed septic systems that leak into the bay, which is part of Lake Champlain.