Senator Illuzzi, testifying before the House Human Services
committee about the provision after it had passed the Senate, explained «We thought that from an
economic development standpoint, this would be a good time to inch forward... and create an environment
where Vermont leads the country in setting the stage for eventually growing this wonderful product that has served this country well.»
In addition to this general requirement, the funding guidelines specifically prevent NTRBs from using funding to cover costs associated with
economic development or land management activites, (119) nor support reference groups or steering
committees in relation to land or waters
where native title has been recognised.