ACRPC Newsletter – June 2023
Posted on June 9th, 2023 to Uncategorized
ACRPC JUNE NEWSLETTER
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
State Agency ARPA Tour Comes to Addison County
This week, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Addison County Economic Development Corporation, ACRPC, and other community partners welcomed municipal leaders and community members for an introduction and discussion about state and ARPA infrastructure resources that are available in the Addison County region. State Agencies and Departments were in attendance to share upcoming and existing federally funding programs they are bringing to Vermont communities. The programs mentioned and additional resources are listed below.
In addition to the listening session, agency representatives made several visits to projects that have or could benefit from their various programs. These visits included:
Agency of Commerce and Community Development
- Champlain Valley Food Hub Visit & Tour, Middlebury
- Firehouse Housing and Commercial Park Visit and Tour, Bristol
- Basin Harbor Tour & Visit, Vergennes
- Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Tour and Visit, Vergennes
Agency of Natural Resources
- Tour at Lindale Mobile Home Park, Middlebury
Agency of Education
- Tour and visit Mary Hogan Preschool, Middlebury
- Mary Johnson Children’s Center Child Care Program, Middlebury
Department of Libraries
- Lawrence Memorial Library Visit, Bristol
Department of Buildings & General Services
- Municipal Buildings Tour in the Towns of Ripton, Bristol, and Orwell
With the overwhelming number of programs available, ACRPC, along with our partners at ACEDC and VLCT, is available to support you in developing projects and identifying the right mix of funding for you. Please reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Contact: Adam Lougee, ACRPC Executive Director, [email protected], or call 802.388.3141
June Calendar
| Date | Time | Meeting |
| June 14th | 5:30 PM | ACRPC Housing Committee |
| June 14th | 7:00 PM | ACRPC Full Commission Meeting |
| June 15th | 7:00 PM | ACSWMD meeting |
| June 19th | 5:00 PM | Energy Committee Meeting |
| June 21th | 6:30 PM | TAC Meeting |
| June 28th | 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
The West Central Vermont CEDS Plan Approved
A CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. The ACRPC, ACEDC, have worked in collaboration with partner regional planning commissions and regional development corporations in Addison, Chittenden, Orange, Rutland, and Washington counties to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for West Central Vermont that meets the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) requirements. Adopting a CEDS helps our region to set a strategic course for economic development efforts. An adopted CEDS can also open opportunities for additional Federal funding to support local economic development efforts (including funding from EDA).
Vergennes Neighborhood Development Area Designation Approved
On May 22, 2023, the Downtown Development Board approved the City of Vergennes’ application for a Neighborhood Development Area Designation. The designated area will be eligible for all the benefits available to a Neighborhood Development Area for as long as Vergennes’ downtown designation is in effect. The DHCD team will check in with the municipality regularly to offer support, share updated information, tools, and resources related to the designation, and ensure our local contact information is up-to-date. If other towns are interested in a designation or learning about the potential benefits, please contact Katie Raycroft Meyer, ACRPC Community Planner, at [email protected]
The Town of Monkton is seeking a zoning administrator.
Monkton estimates that the job will be somewhere between 1/3rd and 1/2 a full time equivalent. People interested in applying should call the Monkton Town Clerk at 802-453-3800. Additionally, if any other municipalities within the Addison Region also need to hire a zoning administrator, Monkton would be willing to share expenses and the Addison County Regional Planning Commission would be willing to work with Communities to create a position to support those services and facilitate cooperation between its municipal members. If any communities are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please call Adam Lougee, Executive Director at (802) 233-5420.
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.
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
VCRD Youth Opportunity Survey
The “Vermont Youth Opportunity Initiative” emerged through The Vermont Proposition which was coordinated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development in 2021 through input from thousands of Vermonters. As a next step we are asking you to help us shape the future of youth opportunity and aspiration in Vermont communities by sharing your ideas on the Youth Opportunity Survey today!
Events
Municipal Vulnerability Index Stakeholder Meeting
You’re invited to a municipal stakeholder meeting on June 15th 12-2pm on the development of a Municipal Climate Change Vulnerability Index! The Climate Action Office at the Agency of Natural Resources is working to develop a tool called the Municipal Vulnerability Index (MVI) which is a requirement of the Global Warming Solutions Act, and a key recommendation in Vermont’s Climate Action Plan. The MVI will be a mapping tool with the goal of helping to identify where Vermont communities are most vulnerable to climate change. ANR will be hosting a virtual workshop open to all municipalities on June 15th to help inform the content, data, information, use, functions, and outputs of the tool; please join. If you have any questions on the project, please reach out to Marian Wolz ([email protected]). Register to Attend Here
Funding & Programs
| Community |
| 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. |
| Creative Futures Grant Program Now Accepting Applications for Final Round of FundingThe Vermont Arts Council is now accepting applications for the final round of its Creative Futures Grants to help the creative sector recover from economic losses due to the pandemic. Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to creative sector nonprofits and for-profit entities that can demonstrate economic harm caused by or exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The deadline for applications is June 30. For more information visit the Vermont Arts Council website. |
| Room For Me GrantFunded by the Vermont Department for Children and Families’ Child Development Division, the Room For Me Grant: Expands the amount of child care capacity throughout the state of Vermont; Increases school-age slots in year-round child care programs; Increases the number of programs that accept Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) thereby expanding opportunities for Vermont children and youth; and Supports the child care needs of Vermont families, especially in underserved communities. Learn More: Here | Due: July 25, 2023, 4 PM EST | Apply: 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 |
| 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. |
| Transportation |
| 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 | Contact: Mike Winslow, [email protected] |
| Highway Safety Improvement Program Small Scale GrantsThe state has rolled out a new Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant-for small scale projects on TOWN roads. Funding for these grants will be 100% from the State and is to cover construction only (from $5,000-$35,000). Projects may be combinations of any of the following: Signage, Striping, Clearing, Breakaway devices. Learn More: 2023 Small Scale HSIP Grant Guide.pdf (vermont.gov) | Due: June 16 | Contact: Mike Winslow, [email protected] |
| 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 | Due: August 1, 2023 | Contact: Mike Winslow, [email protected] |
Tools and Trainings
| Community |
| VLCT Training OpportunitiesPlanning and Zoning Training and Updates (a two-part virtual training, Date: June 14, 2023 9:30 AM – June 22, 2023 12:00 PMRisk Management for Highway Supervisors Date: June 14, 8AM – 4:00 PM @ Lyndonville Fire DepartmentFinance Officers Training Series Date:June 15, 2023 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMLegal Lunch Hour (Monthly Series) Date: June 28, 2023 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMGetting Started with PACIF Learn Date: July 11, 2023 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMTown Fair 2023 Date: September 26, 2023 8:00 AM – September 27, 2023 3:30 PM @ DoubleTree by Hilton |
| Webinar: Event Management – Protecting You and Your AttendeesDate: Jun 13, 2023 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Contact: Barbara Richardson +1 8023887953In this seminar we will review EAPs (Emergency Action Plans) and show how to mitigate and prepare for keeping your attendees and staff safe at your event. Additionally, we will cover liability insurance. No matter how prepared you may be, it is crucial that you have adequate liability coverage. |
| Preservation Trust of Vermont Retreat ScheduleUse this link to view the upcoming Preservation Trust retreats scheduled for the 2023 summer. |
| Equity |
| 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. |
| Resource Available: Vermont Health Equity Planning ToolkitMunicipalities, Regional Planning Commissions, State agency partners, non-profit/for-profit organizations, and Vermonters who are curious should find this document beneficial in determining how and why to take steps toward creating a healthier and more inclusive Vermont. These steps could include but are not limited to, improvements to policy, bylaws, community engagement, and infrastructure to promote healthy and inclusive communities. Learn More » |
| Vermont Professionals of Color Network Financial Literacy SeriesVT POC is excited to offer a free year-long series on financial literacy. Each month, they will have a curated topic led by experts in the field from across the state. This event is for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members as an affinity space for the purpose of bringing together Vermonters of color from across the state to build community. Learn More » |
| Energy |
| Efficiency Vermont 2023 Rebates – Explore 2023 rebates here. |
| Green Saving Smart Program – GreenSavingSmart connects financial coaching with energy savings for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. |
| Natural Resources |
| 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). |
| Clean water project eligibility screeningThe Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP) is providing an in-depth training on updates to the Clean Water Project Eligibility Screening process outlined in the CWIP State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023 Funding Policy. This training is strongly recommended for project implementers seeking clean water funding, as well as CWIP Funding Program Administrators. Date: June 20th, 2023 | Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm | How to attend: The training will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Join Microsoft Teams Meeting for full meeting audio and visual, or dial 1-802-828-7667 and enter phone conference ID: 275 301 882# |
| We Are Entering the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Flight Season The EAB flight season starts on June 1st and goes through September 30th. During this time of year, EAB will be emerging from infested ash trees, logs, and firewood and seeking new host trees and mates. Moving ash materials during the flight season could spread EAB to currentlyuninfested areas. Therefore, there are more stringent recommendations for moving visibly infested ash materials in Vermont’s Slow the Spread Recommendations to protect these areas, including delaying harvesting and not moving untreated ash until after the flight season (October 1st). |