ACRPC NEWSLETTER – MAY 2023
Posted on May 4th, 2023 to Uncategorized
The ACRPC Newsletter contains Addison County announcements, events, grants, and training for the upcoming month. Click below to see this newsletter and other resources on our website. Please contact Maddison Shropshire with questions, [email protected]
ACRPC Update
May is Bike Month!
ACRPC is deeply involved in supporting communities to create safe and welcoming spaces for biking and other forms of active transportation in the region. Below are a few ways you can get involved in the biking community this month and in the future.
Park your CARbon: May 15-22
Want to try a different way of getting around? How about a healthy option, one that can save you some money and even be fun? You can reduce carbon pollution in Vermont and impact worldwide climate change by pledging to Park your CARbon. Try it for a day, a week, or make it an ongoing habit. Bike. Walk. Share your ride. Work from home. Every trip counts. Even small ones! See options at Go! VT connectingcommuters.com
Other Bike Related Events and Resources
- Middlebury Bike Swap, THIS Sat May 6, 9-12 Cannon Park. Drop off bikes and gear you wish to give away or sell on consignment at Frog Hollow Bikes up to noon Fri May 5. Proceeds benefit Middlebury Safe Routes. For more, contact [email protected].
- Bristol’s Human Powered Parade & Celebration, Sat May 13, 10 – 1 pm
- Ride of Silence, Wed May 17, 7 pm Join others nationwide in taking a slow-paced bike ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roads.
- National Bike to Work Day, Fri May 19. Post your miles cycled with the American League of Cyclists at nationalbikechallenge.org.
- Local Motion’s Everyday Biking Workshops Visit localmotion.org to see and arrange area workshops and resources designed to bring walking and biking within reach of all Vermonters.
- Middlebury Safe Routes hosts “Walk and Roll to School Day” first Wednesday of month, monitors traffic patterns and student travel behavior, plans activities to teach bike skills and rules of the road, and recommends infrastructure improvements. Contact Erik Remsen at [email protected] to help or offer input.
- Walk/Bike Council of Addison County is a county-wide, citizen-led advisory group that meets every 6-8 weeks in Middlebury. The Council seeks to build momentum and capacity for safer walking and biking to our towns and villages. Anyone interested should visit walkbikeaddison.org.
May Calendar
| Date | Time | Meeting |
| May 10th | 12:00 PM | REMC Quarterly Meeting |
| May 10th | 5:00 PM | ACRPC Annual Meeting |
| May 17th | 6:30 PM | TAC Meeting |
| May 18th | 7:00 PM | ACSWMD meeting |
| May 24th | 6:30 PM | ACRPC Executive Committee Meeting |
Please find the meeting agendas and minutes on our website using this link.
This newsletter is financed through the State of Vermont Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the State of Vermont. All programs of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission are ADA accessible.
Announcements
Municipal Technical Assistance Program
As part of the State’s ongoing efforts to make the most of state and federal funding and expand funding to communities who need additional assistance, the Agency of Administration in coordination with local Regional Planning Commissions is granting funds to municipalities throughout the state for Municipal Technical Assistance. These funds are intended to assist those communities with a high need for state and federal grants but lower capacity for accessing and applying for those sources. The towns of Goshen, Granville, Hancock, Panton, Waltham, and Whiting have all been pre-approved for this program based on need. Other towns will be able to apply for this opportunity separately. The program is expected to launch this May. Learn more: Here.
Interns/Field Technicians Needed – Summer 2023
The Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) seeks to hire an intern for a 10-week period between May and August of 2023 (Timing is flexible). This position is mainly field data collection for transportation and clean water planning efforts throughout the region. More information about ACRPC is available at our website.
Green Up Day is Saturday, May 6
Join the fun and help make Vermont clean and beautiful! Pick up your Green Up trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 6 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment. Learn More
Wild Roots Spring Homestead Weekend
Visit www.wildrootsfarmvermont.com to learn about the upcoming weekend of workshops, demos and skill shares focused on homesteading and wilderness living skills at Wild Roots Community Farm. The event is scheduled for May 20th & 21st and tickets can be purchased HERE.
New Website: Northwest Vermont Prevention Network
The Prevention Network is made up of organizations and individuals from communities across Northwest Vermont who share a common goal of preventing substance misuse and promoting the wellbeing of youth and young adults. Learn More
Events
VCDA Spring Conference: Recreation and Economic Vitality
Through a variety of panels, peer-to-peer discussions, and trail outings, participants in this conference will: Hear about municipal and outdoor recreation success stories from around the state; Address and workshop challenges that communities face when expanding and/or marketing recreation opportunities; Identify funding sources and technical assistance for local and regional recreation; Take a biking or walking tour of a local recreation resource and hear about the formation of the Ascutney Outdoor Trails and Outdoor Center. Learn more: Here | Register: Here | Date: May 18th 9:30-4pm
Imagine Zero Music Fest
SolarFest is proud to host the Imagine Zero Music Festival with top tier musicians to help celebrate a new wave of festival stewardship. Buy Imagine Zero Tickets or Volunteer | Date: May 13th, 12-8 PM | Location: 144 Steinberg Rd, Brandon, VT 05733
Addison County REMC meeting – Wednesday, May 10, ACRPC
The Addison County Regional Emergency Management Committee (REMC) quarterly meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 10 from noon to 1pm. The focus of our discussion will be Continuity of Operations Planning with a guest speaker from Vermont Emergency Management- this will be a hybrid meeting, with in-person gathering at the ACRPC office at 14 Seminary Street in Middlebury, and on Zoom. Contact Andrew L’Roe ([email protected]) for more information.
VECAN Spring Summit – June 3, Middlebury College
Please join us on June 3rd to reconnect, strategize and co-create opportunities to help Vermont advance just and bold climate action! The Summit is FREE to attend. We are happy to provide light breakfast fare, lunch, snacks, refreshments, and, we hope, a great program to (re)focus our important, collective efforts.
Location: Middlebury College | Time: June 3rd | Register: Here
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility 33rd Annual Conference: May 11
This full-day, in-person event will bring together thought leaders from throughout Vermont for provocative conversations inspired by a keynote address on “Seizing This Moment.” Facilitated dialogues, panel discussions, and workshops follow and will focus on the leading-edge of social and environmental impact. Learn More & Register
2023 Vermont Arbor Day Conference: Friday, May 19
The 2023 Vermont Arbor Day Conference on Friday, May 19th at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. Learn More
Grants
| Community |
| Animating Infrastructure GrantFunding opportunity for communities that are poised to integrate works of public art into upcoming infrastructure projects that provide opportunities for artists to engage with the community in the design of public art. Grants of up to $15,000 are available. Learn More: Here | Due: June 1st, 2023 |
| Announcing the 2024 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit ProgramIn FY24, $4.3 million in state income tax credits are available. Credits are awarded to projects that improve building safety, attract new business, and create jobs. Applications for the next round of tax credits are due Monday, July 3, 2023. Learn More: Here | Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected] |
| New Manufactured Home Improvement & Repair Program LaunchedVermont State Housing Authority has launched the Manufactured Home Improvement & Repair Program. The program will provide financial assistance for park improvements, home repair and foundation installation. Learn More: Here. |
| Community Recovery and Revitalization Program The Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) will provide recovery funding for projects that spur economic recovery and revitalization to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 in communities across the state. Program guidelines have now been posted on the ACCD website and the application will become available in the coming weeks. Learn more: Here |
| Vermont Community Development GrantsThe Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) assists communities on a competitive basis by providing financial and technical assistance to identify and address local needs in the areas of housing, economic development, public facilities, public services, handicapped accessibility and modification planning. Learn more: Here | Due: Rolling basis |
| Clean Water |
| MARC Announces Release of Round 7 Request for Applications for DIBGMount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) is pleased to announce the release of Round 7 Request for Applications for the Clean Water Design & Implementation Block Grant funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program. (CWIP). This funding will support the design and implementation of clean water projects throughout the state of Vermont.Due: May 8th, 2023, 4:30 pm EST. | Learn More: Here |
| Water Quality Project Development Block GrantACRPC is administering a 2022 Environmental Conservation (DEC) Project Development Block Grant to subgrant funds to develop water quality improvement projects. Funds should be used for getting landowners, municipalities and other partners “on board” with projects to improve water quality and to move those projects towards design and implementation. All project work, invoicing and reporting must be complete by July 1, 2024.Activities covered by this grant include (but are not limited to): reviewing and prioritizing water quality projects listed in sources like stormwater master plans or tactical basin plans; contacting landowners to assess interest and feasibility; reviewing permitting concerns; meeting with towns; working with partners and/or online tools to estimate phosphorus reduction potentialdeveloping basic concept drawingsIf you are interested in applying, you can find our RFP and other helpful information here. Contact: Hannah Andrew at [email protected]. Due: to [email protected] by May 5, 2023. |
| Accessibility, Equity, & Inclusion |
| Vermont Healthy CommunitiesVDH and DHCD invite eligible Vermont communities* and residents over 18 years of age to apply for the Health Equity and Community Design Technical Assistance (TA) Pilot which provides extra capacity and resources and helps prepare communities that are interested in the DHCD’s Better Places placemaking grants. Closes in October | Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected] |
| VCF Equitable and Inclusive Communities grant The Vermont Community Foundation is seeking proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities that close the opportunity gap by supporting local efforts to foster inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. The Foundation offers grants of up to $10,000 to fund projects that generate a greater sense of community and equity education in town.Learn more: Here | Due: rolling basis until funds are used |
| Energy |
| Municipal Energy Resilience ProgramEstablished by Act 172,the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) will provide $45M in funding to help reduce municipal building energy usage, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. No local match is required for this funding. The ACRPC Energy Webpage will provide updated information on this program moving forward. Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected] |
| Weatherization Repayment Assistance ProgramWRAP will allow Vermont households to pay for qualifying weatherization projects like insulation and air sealing as well as heat pumps and advanced wood heating systems through a monthly charge on their utility bill that can be paid back over time. The program is open to Vermonters of all incomes and both homeowners and renters can participate in the program. Learn more: Here |
| Natural Resource |
| NBRC Forest Economy Program (FEP) Now Open The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) has opened its 2023 Forest Economy Program (FEP) competition. The Commission will make up to $7 million in grants available, with a maximum award of $1 million. Potential applicants must express interest through Letters of Interest. Due: Sept 15 by 5pm | Learn More: Here. |
| Emergency Preparedness |
| Last Call for Flood Resilient Communities Fund Projects!ACRPC is working with the state of Vermont to provide options to landowners and homeowners through the Flood Resilient Communities Fund (FRCF).The program is voluntary and can fund up to 100% of project costs. The program can finance Structural and Vacant Lot buyouts including: Buyouts of buildings and developed properties with identified flood or erosion Purchases of vacant, at-risk parcels to limit future development, Structural elevation projects, Structural relocation projects.Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through summer 2023. If awarded, project funding can be spent through 2026, and the property will be required to be maintained as green open space in perpetuityFor more information, please see the state program website: https://vem.vermont.gov/flood-resilient-communities-fundAnd contact Andrew L’Roe, Emergency Management Planner at the Addison County Regional Planning Commission: [email protected] or call 802-388-3141 x3 |
| Transportation |
| Seeking Applications for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure ImprovementsThe Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is seeking grant applications for new infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. Learn More: Here | Contact: Peter Pochop, [email protected] |
| Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant ProgramThe program supports the development of a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan) that identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in a community and the implementation of projects and strategies to address roadway safety issues. Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement a comprehensive safety action plan. Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address a roadway safety problem. Learn More: Here | Due: July 10th |
| Intersections InitiativeThe initiative helps build capacity to apply for infrastructure funding to support active and public transportation projects and identify the policies and practices that make this a reality. In addition to the technical assistance offered by this program, the initiative has also developed an extremely useful funding sheet for bike/ ped infrastructure. Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected] |
| Wildlife Crossings ProgramA competitive grant program with the goal of reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVCs) while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Construction Projects include engineering, design, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, and other activities related to the construction of infrastructure improvements. Non-Construction projects include planning, research, and educational activities that are not directly related to construction of infrastructure improvements.Learn More: Here |
Tools & Trainings
| Community |
| Preservation Trust of Vermont Retreat ScheduleUse this link to view the upcoming Preservation Trust retreats scheduled for the 2023 summer. Topics include outdoor recreation, Churches & Sacred places,Community revitalization through Nonprofit Ownership, Fundraising and Nonprofit management, Energy efficiency & historic preservation. |
| ACEDC Workshop – Strategies and tips for winning grant fundingCome learn strategies and tips from the leaders of three organizations that have survived the grant-writing/administration process, successfully secured funds, and came up with the match! Joining us will be Susan McClure, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum; Valerie Capels, Town Administrator, Town of Bristol; and Helena Van Voorst, Executive Director, United Way of Addison County. Learn More: Here | Register for In-person: Here | Online: Here | Date: May 9th |
| Transportation |
| Tier 2 River and Roads workshops:Workshop at VTrans Training Center (VTTC) in Berlin for Tier 2, a two-day training that is both indoors and outdoors. Bring, or wear, appropriate field clothesand waterproof boots or old sneakers you can get wet! Each day will be indoors for slideshows and class exercises and river flume table demonstrations and outdoors on rivers and streams to observe in the field what we’ve seen and discussed indoors.Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm | Date: May 17th & 18th @ 1716 Route 302 in BerlinRegister: Here | Contact: Staci Pomeroy: ([email protected]) |
| Emergency Preparedness |
| ICS-402 “ICS Summary for Executives” Training The purpose of this course is to provide an orientation to the Incident Command System for Executives and Senior Officials and it isn’t offered very frequently. At least one person with ICS-100 or ICS-402 training is needed to sign off on the annual LEMP. LOCATION: Virtual | DATE/TIME: May 11, 1pm-5pm | REGISTRATION: Click Here Contact: Andrew L’Roe, [email protected] |
| “Stop The Bleed” first aid training course with Josh Dishaw in Middlebury The Stop The Bleed campaign was initiated to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and human-made and natural disasters. Register: on the Ilsley website | Location: Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St, Middlebury | Time: Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. |
| Equity |
| Money Matters BIPoC Affinity Financial Liberation & Wellness SeriesThis series covers Budgeting, Debt Management and Home Ownership and some of the obstacles faced in these areas as a person of color. Come learn how to leap over road blocks with Ana Mejia and Shanda Williams! Learn More: Here | Date: May 20th |
| VLCT Equity Resources for MunicipalitiesThe VLCT Municipal Equity Toolkit is a ten-part online resource that covers everything from creating a municipal equity committee to building a framework and action plan to listing equity-related books, podcasts, and videos. It is free and available to all VLCT members and the public at vlct.org/JDEIB-resources. |
| Energy |
| Efficiency Vermont 2023 Rebates – Are home or apartment improvement projects in store for 2023? If you plan to buy new appliances, make your space less drafty, or lower your energy costs, there may be a rebate for you. Combine those with federal tax credits and additional rebates from your electric or gas utility, and you’re on your way to some serious energy savings. Explore 2023 rebates here. |
| Green Saving Smart ProgramReaching Energy Equity Goals with GreenSavingSmart – GreenSavingSmart is a new service administered by Vermont’s five community action agencies that connects financial coaching with energy savings for low- and moderate-income Vermonters to ensure a cleaner, greener Vermont. Learn all about this initiative here. Contact Maddison Shropshire: [email protected] for more information. |
| Natural Resources |
| Pollinator PathwaysOur recording of “Creating Habitat for Vt. Butterflies in Gardens and Farms” by Ray Moranz is now available on our YouTube channel,https://youtu.be/eRxsCu2Rgpc. There you can also view our other webinars from 2022. There is one more Spring event in April, with Mike Bald, from “Got Weeds?” on Invasives. April 19 7-8:30 pm, and this one will be a Zoom Meeting, not through Eventbrite! Look for notification on FPF and in the Addison Independent. Registration will be via our email address. Pollinator Pathways has Town Facilitators for the different towns in Addison County, and we’d love to have you join us! Contact: [email protected] |
| Vermont Coverts Woodlands for Wildlife Cooperator Training This program connects you with resource professionals, landowners and others while learning how you can improve your woodlands. There are 2 opportunities to attend: – – – September 8-10 at Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton. Learn More: www.vtcoverts.org | Contact: Lisa Sausville at 802-877-2777 or e-mail [email protected]. This Training is* FREE *(a $100 deposit, refundable upon completion, is required to hold your spot). |
| 2023 Vermont Arbor Day ConferenceFriday, May 19th, 8:30am-3:30pm at Vermont Technical College, Randolph CenterVermont Urban & Community Forest Program is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2023 Vermont Arbor Day Conference! Please join them for a full day of workshops, networking, award celebrations, and all things trees! Conference cost is $50, lunch is included. Student rate is $20. Limited scholarships are available. Registration deadline is May 5th. More at https://vtcommunityforestry.org/arbor-day/arbor-day-conference |