The MVP Core Group began by establishing the consensus that the downtown area faces a genuine risk of flooding. Members highlighted that historical and current observations support the existence of this risk, with climate change contributing to more frequent and intense weather events. They agreed that potential solutions could mitigate the effects of common storms, although extreme events, like 100-year floods, might remain challenging to manage.

The group also determined there is significant interest from the town and other stakeholders in addressing these flood risks.

In a move, the MVP Core Group voted to recommend that the Select Board draft a letter to Dan Wright, the state conservationist, to participate in the PL 566 program. This initiative would enable Deerfield to work with multiple stakeholders, including farmers and homeowners, to implement flood risk mitigation strategies.

Moreover, the meeting addressed the necessity of a bundled Notice of Intent (NOI) to allow for maintenance work in flood-prone areas. The group discussed the importance of identifying funding streams for this purpose, emphasizing the need to proceed with modifications to the existing bundled NOI. This would facilitate legal maintenance activities, potentially incorporating additional areas of concern as they emerge.

The meeting also touched upon the opportunity for local water districts to become stakeholders in the flood management process, potentially utilizing water from artisanal springs for reservoir development. The flexibility of the PL 566 program to include various stakeholders was seen as a significant advantage.