Manager’s Message of the Week
Since late fall Town of Colchester officials have been exploring our legal authority and options to remove a boat sinking in Malletts Bay off E. Lakeshore Drive. The Police Department has reached out numerous times to the boat owner, and has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Vermont. Lake Champlain is under the jurisdiction and authority of the federal and state governments. The Town cannot take an unlawful approach that might result in a lawsuit from the boat’s owner or put our community and employees at risk. We are all problem solvers and have been working hard behind the scenes with the appropriate agencies to ensure that ultimately the boat will be removed safely, lawfully, and with no undue expense to our taxpayers.
The Town has made progress by contacting state officials who have jurisdiction in these matters and it appears they will be using their authority under state laws to remove the boat. Senator Mazza is also working with the Scott administration to update legislation to avoid similar issues in the future. Kudos are due to Governor Scott, Sen. Mazza, and other administration officials who responded to our inquiries and are trying to navigate various state laws pertaining to this issue.
Sincerely,
Dawn Francis
Town Manager