STOWE, VT — Lemonjuice Solutions, a leader in resort and association management, has successfully secured over $855,000 in grant funding and loan forgiveness to support essential water infrastructure upgrades at Mountainside Resort at Stowe. This achievement ensures long-term regulatory compliance and positions the property for future operational sustainability, despite growing environmental and municipal challenges across Vermont.

Like many communities in Vermont and nationwide, Stowe has been affected by the emerging PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) crisis. In recent years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has significantly tightened its standards for acceptable PFAS levels in drinking water. As municipalities across Vermont respond to new testing thresholds and infrastructure requirements, large properties such as Mountainside Resort faced heightened risks to compliance, financing, and development.

“PFAS regulations are constantly evolving, and with Stowe nearing full capacity for municipal water system connections – known as Equivalent Dwelling Units or EDUs – we knew we had to act quickly to protect Mountainside Resort’s future,” said Mike Elliott, Vice President of Facilities and Risk Management.

To address these concerns, Lemonjuice developed a multi-pronged strategy that included risk assessment, strategic partnerships, and direct government engagement. Through early and active relationship-building with Vermont state representatives, EPA officials, and town leadership, Lemonjuice identified two crucial funding opportunities:

  • A $55,000 engineering grant, awarded to fund design and bid preparation for a new water pump station
  • An $800,000+ state forgiveness loan, now in the final stages of approval, that will cover significant infrastructure costs

Construction at Mountainside Resort at Stowe is underway, with paving, retaining wall installation, and water system updates scheduled through fall 2025. Initial funding of $500,000 from the resort’s reserves is being used to launch the project, with full reimbursement expected once final approvals are processed.

“Our approach was proactive, not reactive,” said Alex Krakovsky, President of Lemonjuice Solutions. “This is a perfect example of how we continually seek out innovative, often unconventional, solutions to support our properties. We break away from the outdated management paradigms and meet each resort’s needs with fresh eyes and proven strategies.”

This funding success also highlights the importance of cultivating solid relationships with government partners. Leveraging decades of experience in county and municipal operations, the Lemonjuice team was able to identify and unlock funding sources that might have otherwise gone untapped.

“From the moment we saw how PFAS issues were unfolding in Vermont, we understood the importance of preparing for long-term compliance – especially in a town like Stowe, where EDU availability was rapidly shrinking,” said Niall Brennan, the Board President of Mountainside Resort. “Lemonjuice Solutions brought a level of expertise and resourcefulness that we simply wouldn’t have had access to without them. Their efforts not only helped secure critical funding but positioned us ahead of potential restrictions and regulatory hurdles.”

Timing played a vital role. Shortly after Lemonjuice secured EDU capacity for the resort, the town of Stowe halted further large-scale water connections due to system limits caused by nearby golf course and resort developments. Mountainside’s early action preserved its eligibility for water upgrades - a feat that may soon be out of reach for similar properties.

Beyond the immediate benefits to Mountainside Resort at Stowe, Lemonjuice Solutions is using this experience to guide future renovation and redevelopment projects across its national portfolio. The company has implemented PFAS risk analysis and EDU capacity assessment as part of its standard due diligence process for managed properties in high-regulation states.

“Every resort is different, but the lesson is the same,” said Krakovsky. “You need to understand the landscape – regulatory, political, and operational – before the ground shifts beneath you. That’s the Lemonjuice way.”

Lemonjuice will continue collaborating with state and federal agencies to maximize funding, ensure transparency, and advocate for its managed properties. This project not only strengthens the foundation of Mountainside Resort but also reflects Lemonjuice’s commitment to long-term sustainability, owner value, and forward-thinking leadership.