Committee reviews H952 lease language for Vermont Huts at Little River State Park

Members of the conference committee on Senate Institutions and House Institutions and Corrections spent much of their May 20 meeting reconciling H952 language that would authorize a lease at Little River State Park to accommodate a Vermont Huts structure. The draft in the House specifies a 20‑year initial term with options for two additional 10‑year renewals, a fee or fee formula to compensate the state, and standard state insurance, indemnification and termination provisions.

Legislative counsel Michael told the committee the House language is largely based on Administrative Bulletin 3.5, which sets requirements and guidance for how state entities enter into contracts and grants. Committee members said the lease details are needed to allow federal grant processes and environmental review to proceed.

A federal HUD grant supporting the larger Vermont Huts project makes having a lease a condition of award, committee members noted. One member said the award of federal funds triggers NEPA review — starting with an environmental assessment and, only if certain thresholds are met, an environmental impact statement — and that NEPA reviewers need clarity that a lease will exist and what its basic terms will be to complete the assessment.

Rebecca Washburn, director of Lands and Recreation for the parks department, told the committee that existing Vermont Huts operations at comparable sites typically bring in between $25,000 and $35,000 a year. Washburn said the department has focused on aligning the project’s public‑benefit and park‑management requirements rather than treating the lease as a significant revenue source.

Committee members agreed to amend the language to require Vermont Huts to provide an interim report to the two committee chairs on or before Aug. 15 describing progress midway through lease negotiations and to provide the final executed lease after signatures. Members directed staff to draft that language and to return with a revised spreadsheet and draft text for further review.

The committee assigned Michael to work with staff (including John) to refine the language and scheduled a possible reconvening later the same day to finalize changes.