Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 19, § 950

Selectboard may lay out, establish, construct, or cause to be constructed and maintained a drain, ditch, or watercourse leading from a highway in the town, across the lands of any person to a watercourse, to carry away the surface water from the highway, or other drainage necessary for public health, if it judges the public good or the necessity or convenience of individuals requires this work.