§ 1427. River corridors and buffers

(a) River Corridor and Floodplain Management Program. The Secretary of Natural Resources shall establish a River Corridor and Floodplain Management Program to aid and support the municipal adoption of a flood resilience plan under 24 V.S.A. § 4382 and of river corridor, floodplain, and buffer bylaws. Under the River Corridor and Floodplain Management Program, the Secretary shall:

(1) assess the geomorphic condition and sensitivity of the rivers of the State and identify where the sensitivity of a river poses a probable risk of harm to life, property, or infrastructure;

(2) delineate and map river corridors based on the river sensitivity assessments required under subdivision (1) of this subsection according to a priority schedule established by the Secretary by procedure; and

(3) develop recommended best management practices for the management of river corridors, floodplains, and buffers.

(b) River sensitivity assessment; Secretary’s discretion. Notwithstanding the schedule established by the Secretary under subdivision (a)(2) of this section, the Secretary may complete a sensitivity assessment for a river if, in the Secretary’s discretion, the sensitivity of a river and the risk it poses to life, property, and infrastructure require an expedited assessment.

(c) Municipal consultation during river assessment. Prior to and during an assessment of river sensitivity required under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall consult with the legislative body or designee of municipalities and the regional planning commissions in the area in which a river is located. (Added 2009, No. 110 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 2011, No. 138 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. May 14, 2012; 2013, No. 16, § 7, eff. July 1, 2014.)