ACRPC SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Posted on September 7th, 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 Deron Rixon with questions, [email protected]
Do You Live, Work, or Travel Through Northern Addison County?
We Want To Hear From You!
VTrans, in partnership with ACRPC, has launched a public survey for the Vergennes Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study. Help VTrans and the ACRPC explore options for reducing the impacts of truck traffic on VT 22A (Main Street) in Downtown Vergennes and better understand the issues that are important to you!
We invite you to complete the survey to share your insights and feedback! Transportation solutions being evaluated include new roadways, improvements to existing roadways, and an option where traffic flow does not change. Potentially affected municipalities include Ferrisburgh, Vergennes, Waltham, Weybridge, Panton, Addison and New Haven.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the Public Survey by clicking here
Say WATT? Shape Vermont’s Electricity Future!
The Public Service Department and ACRPC have teamed up to ensure your voice is heard as critical energy policies are updated. Join us at ACRPC on September 26th and help us determine the future of electricity in Vermont!
Share input. Ask questions. Get involved.
Can attend in person? Join virtually here!
Learn more: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/renewables
| Date | Time | Meeting |
| September 13th | 5:30 PM | ACRPC Housing Committee Meeting |
| September 13th | 7:00 PM | ACRPC Full Commission Meeting |
| September 18th | 5:00 PM | Energy Committee Meeting |
| September 20th | 6:30 PM | TAC Meeting |
| September 26th | 5:00 PM | “Say WATT?” Public Service Dept. & RPC public Listening Event |
| September 27th | 6:30 PM | ACRPC Executive Board Meeting |
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.
There’s Still Time! Regional Housing Survey Open Until September 15th!
ACRPC’s Housing Committee has developed a Regional Housing Survey with the goal of gaining a better understanding of individual communities’ issues. This survey is intended to solicit feedback about individuals’ current housing status, their housing plans for the future as well as their perception of the housing situation in their town.
Submit Projects for Annual Regional Priority Project List
Each year, the Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) solicits projects for the Regional Priority Project List. The projects can be municipal infrastructure projects, other municipal projects, and projects planned by nonprofits and businesses. The list is prioritized by a team including ACRPC and the top 10 projects are submitted to state and federal funders, such as NBRC, and may be used as part of their scoring processes. ACEDC is now accepting projects to be included in the 2023 Regional Priority Project List. Projects should be shovel ready, or close to shovel ready, be seeking funding from multiple sources, but have a funding gap remaining. A Project Form must be completed and submitted to be included on the list. Read more detail here and download the Project Form here. Email the completed Project Form to Fred Kenney at [email protected] no later than October 27, 2023.
ACCT Addison Housing Rocks! – A Community Celebration to Benefit ACCT’s Affordable Housing Programs – September 15th 4pm-8pm
Each year, ACCT gathers our community together to celebrate our affordable housing achievements and raise support for our efforts to address the housing crisis. This September, hundreds of neighbors will gather on the Town Green in Middlebury to show support for affordable housing in Addison County, while enjoying live performances by Moira Smiley and The Grift. Festivities include live music, food trucks, cash bar, and raffles. Mingle with ACCT staff, connect with neighbors, learn about affordable housing, and attend a live tour of an ACCT property. Get your tickets here!
ACORN’s Tour De Farms – September 17th
This year’s Tour is Sunday, September 17 in Shoreham. Tickets are limited to 500 riders, and sold out last year! Ride and enjoy the best that Vermont has to offer, from glorious scenery to delicious samples of foods that are grown or produced here in Addison County, Vermont. Choose the longer 30-mile ride or a family-friendly 10-mile route, each with farm stops along the way, and meet the wonderful people who produce the food and goods you enjoy throughout the year. This is ACORN’s largest fundraiser and supports programs such as the ACORN Food Hub and Farmacy: Food is Medicine program.
Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference
September 20th – 21st at Burke Mountain Hotel and Conference Center. You can register here: 2023 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference Registration Registration closes Sept. 6!
United Way of Addison County Days of Caring 2023
The annual two days of “extreme volunteering” will be back this fall on September 21 and 23. During Days of Caring, we connect hundreds of volunteers with dozens of nonprofits for two days of hard work, laughter, and making a change in our community. If you’d like to volunteer – individually or as a group – please reach out to Amy Hoekstra (802)-388-7189 (ext. 207).
EAN’s 2023 Network Summit on September 28
Connect with other Network members and public sector partners, learn more about where Vermont stands relative to our energy and emissions reduction commitments, and help choose Network priorities to make breakthrough energy progress, while creating a more just, thriving, and sustainable future for Vermonters. This year we will also be hosting a second half-day on September 29 for Network Action Teams to collaborate, learn from one another, and problem solve together. Accommodation at Sugarbush the night of September 28 is also an option for those who would enjoy a chance for more informal networking. Learn more about the summit and register today.
Dead Creek Wildlife Day: October 7
Dead Creek Wildlife Day offers something for everyone. The day is filled with wildlife demonstrations and guided nature walks. Admission and parking is free and the event runs from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Come for an hour or stay for the day! Check out the schedule of events. Learn More: Here
| Emergency Management |
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) The HMGP program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is administered by Vermont Emergency Management on behalf of the state. Typically, federal funds are available to cover up to 75% of approved project costs; and there is a 25% local match requirement that is the responsibility of the applicant town. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as funding is available. HMGP applications must be completed in their entirety, including maps, list of alternative proposals, engineering plans, hydrology studies (if needed) and a full benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in the FEMA-approved format, if applicable. Learn More: Here | Due: Spring 2024 |
| Community |
| Bylaw Modernization Grants In fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023– June 30, 2024), the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has funding to grant to municipalities for land use, development, and zoning bylaw updates in support of a pedestrian-oriented development pattern that increase housing choice, affordability, and opportunity in areas planned in accordance with Vermont’s smart growth principles. This funding is intended to help municipalities confront the State’s housing shortage and ready areas for new housing investments. Municipalities may submit an individual application for a maximum of $25,000 or apply with other municipalities as part of a multi-town application, which are eligible for grants of up to a $60,000 maximum.Bylaw Modernization Grant projects must be completed within 24 months. The grant term will be January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025. No time extensions will be granted.Learn More: Here | Due: November 1, 2023 |
| Building Communities Grants This program, administered by BGS, includes the following: 1) $300,000.00 – Recreational Facilities Grant Program 2) $300,000,00 – Regional Economic Development Grant Program 3) $150,000.00 – Human Services Facilities Grant Program 4) $150,000.00 – Educational Facilities Grant Program These grants are for construction and capital improvements to support and strengthen Vermont towns and regions. Due: September 10, 2023 | Learn More: Here |
| New Manufactured Home Improvement & Repair Program Launched Vermont 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 Program guidelines have been posted on the ACCD website and the application is OPEN NOW. 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. Learn more: Here | Due: Rolling basis |
| Accessibility, Equity, & Inclusion |
| Vermont Healthy Communities VDH 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 Program *ASSESSMENT APPLICATIONS CLOSE OCTOBER 31* Established 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: Deron Rixon [email protected] |
| Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program WRAP 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 |
| Solar for All Grants Vermont’s congressional delegation, along with the head of the U.S. EPA, launched a $7 billion grant program this week that is meant to increase access to affordable solar energy. Solar for All aims to help with two issues: transitioning away from fossil fuels and ensuring working families can afford solar energy. States, tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible non-profits can apply for the grants by September 26, 2023. Learn More: Here |
| Natural Resource |
| DEC Water Quality Project Development Block Grants ACRPC is administering a 2022 Environmental Conservation (DEC) Project Development Block Grant to subgrant up to $34,000 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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and can be sent to Hannah Andrew [email protected]. Learn More: Here. |
| 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. |
| Upcoming 2024 VT Urban & Community Forestry Grant Programs The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program will be administering nearly $500,000 through three separate categories of grants. The program will also be supporting two additional grant programs through other organizations. Applications Open: Late Summer | Due: January 2024 | Learn More: Here |
| Transportation |
| Intersections Initiative The 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] |
| Emergency Management |
| MGT 417: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers The purpose of this 2 day management/planning level course is to provide the operational-level details to support many of the topics covered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved AWR 148: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents – Partnering Rural Law Enforcement and the Local School Systems awareness-level course. Rural schools, law enforcement, other emergency responders, and community stakeholders are often limited in their access to resources, so it is imperative that all potentially affected parties collaborate in planning, preparation, communication, response, and recovery in the event of a school-based incident. Moreover, these affected parties must come together to practice their interoperable skills through drills and exercises to ensure the strategies in place provide for an effective crisis response and collaborative recovery. With the intent of building upon the foundation of the AWR 148 course and utilizing an all-hazards approach, this two-day course will provide content instruction, develop concept-specific skills, and provide opportunities for law enforcement, school personnel, and community stakeholders to collaboratively apply the course objectives in scenario-based applications. LOCATION: Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School, Swanton, VT DATE/TIME: September 11, 2023, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. & September 12, 2023 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. REGISTRATION: https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=8972 LOCATION: VT National Guard Training Facility-RRTC- Norwich University, Northfield, VT DATE/TIME: October 9, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & October 10, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pm REGISTRATION: https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=9030 LOCATION: Brattleboro Fire Department, Brattleboro, VT DATE/TIME: October 19, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & October 20, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pm REGISTRATION: https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=8993 |
| Community |
| VLCT Training Opportunities Town Fair 2023 Date: September 26, 2023 8:00 AM – September 27, 2023 3:30 PM @ DoubleTree by Hilton |
| Preservation Trust of Vermont Retreat Schedule Use this link to view the upcoming Preservation Trust retreats scheduled for the 2023 summer. |
| Equity |
| VLCT Equity Resources for Municipalities The 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. |
| Vermont Health Equity Planning Toolkit Municipalities, 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 Series VT 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). |
| VT F&W Community Wildlife Program – Becoming an Environmental Leader in your Town WEBINAR Join the Community Wildlife Program to explore what it means to be an environmental leader in your town. They will dive into a variety of leadership styles, phases of group development, and ways to effectively collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders. – September 22nd 10am-11am Learn More: Community Wildlife Program Trainings Register: Here |