And welcome new members: Joss Besse (Bolton), Ashley Lucht (Richmond), Tim Baechle (Business/Industry rep.) 

Alternate moving up to Primary member: Dave Tilton (Westford)

New Alternates: Michael Raley (Milton), Rosanne Greco (S. Burlington), Dawn Francis (Business/Industry rep.), Lisa Falcone (Environment./Conservation) 

Congratulations to Essex Junction and its planning partners, for being designated a Bronze-level Walk-Friendly Community due to its sidewalk coverage, SRTS programming, excellent pedestrian plan, and regional coordination. See the announcement here. 

Participate in the 2013 Vermont Home Weatherization Challenge

This fall, Efficiency Vermont, working in partnership with VECAN, will roll out an ambitious plan to significantly increase the number of Vermonters who make significant home energy efficiency improvements. The 2013 Vermont Home Weatherization Challenge will harness people's proclivity for competition and fun to help Vermont meet its necessarily ambitious weatherization goals and save homeowners on their energy bills. Under the Campaign, town energy committees and other local partners will participate in an "Energy Challenge" to compete with other towns within their region.  Each local partner will have a target of weatherizing 5% of the homes within their community in a one-year period. Community prizes will be awarded for the top town in each region, as well as statewide prizes for the top region and town. The Challenge will run from January 1 - December 31, 2013. Be sure your town is lined up to participate. Stay tuned to VECAN.net or efficiencyvermont.com for all the details. For more information, contact Paul Markowitz, Community Energy Program Manager, Efficiency Vermont at 802 -540-7608 or pmarkowitz@veic.org.

Vermont's largest housing event is coming to the  Hilton Burlington on Thursday, Nov. 15.  http://www.vhfa.org/conference/ 

December 1

VECAN Annual Conference, Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee

The annual VECAN conference is always an end-of-year highlight!  More information at:   http://www.vecan.net/index.php/mark-your-calendars-for-the-5th-annual-vecan-conference/  

The VT Safe Routes to School (SRTS)

2012 VT Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program

VTrans is now accepting applications for the 2012 VT Safe Routes to School infrastructure program. The goal of the program is to remove barriers that deter students from walking and bicycling to school in Vermont through the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects. Grant eligibility requirements and information available at:  

http://saferoutes.vermont.gov/getting_started/funding 

Final and complete applications must be submitted to my attention and must be received or postmarked by 4:00 PM, Friday, October 26, 2012. Please contact me with any questions at (802) 828-5799 or by email at patti.coburn@state.vt.us.

2012 Recreation Facilities Grants Program

The 2012 Recreation Facilities Grants Program, managed by the VT Department of Buildings and General Services, has been announced.  

These are competitive grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for capital costs associated with the development and creation of community recreational opportunities to stimulate the creation and development of recreational opportunities in Vermont Communities. The program requires a 1:1 match from the recipient and caps awards at $25,000. This program requires that there be demonstrated community support, both financial and grassroots.The application process is quite simple compared to other grant applications. 

Deadline to apply is Friday, September 28, 2012, 

Links for the Recreation Facilities Grant Packet and other grant programs you may also be able to take advantage of:

·         Building Community Grants Programs Summary 

·         Recreation Facilities Grant 

·         Human Services and Education Competitive Grant Program 

·         Regional Economic Development Grant Program  

·         Historic Preservation Grants 

·         Cultural Facilities Grant Program 

Vermont Agency of Agriculture matching state grants

  For 2013, $75,000 is available to Vermont schools through the Farm to School Grant program as well as $40,000 available to agricultural producers and food hubs serving institutional markets through the Local Food Market Development Grant program.   

VT Farm to School Program 

The program encourages schools and school districts to serve food to Vermont students that is as fresh and nutritious as possible. All applications must be received by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture no later than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012.

Local Food Market Development Grant Program

This program encourages local food market development opportunities with an institutional focus across the state. All applications must be received by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012.  

EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities grants

The Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to selected local and/or tribal governments using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. The purpose of delivering these tools is to stimulate a discussion about growth and development and strengthen local capacity to implement sustainable approaches.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY:  APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 26TH

In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will select up to 44 communities for assistance. Each technical assistance project in a community will include: (1) Public engagement, a one-day workshop that is open to the public; (2) Direct consultation with relevant decision-makers; and (3) a memo outlining specific steps the community could take to implement the ideas generated during the site visit. EPA will offer 9 tools as part of this program including planning bikeshare programs, creating a green streets strategy, sustainability strategies for small cities and rural areas, to name a few. For additional information about the kinds of assistance available, and to find the full application guidelines go to this EPA website: http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM SMART GROWTH AMERICA: APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 25TH

Smart Growth America is currently accepting applications for a series of free technical assistance workshops for local communities interested in smart growth strategies. The workshops span a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, walkability, regional planning, and zoning codes for small cities.  Smart Growth America expects to select 12 communities nationally for assistance.  Applications are due by October 25th.  For additional information about the kinds of assistance available, and to find the full application guidelines and a digital application form, go to this Smart Growth America website.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM GLOBAL GREEN:

APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 2ND

Global Green is offering free technical assistance related to neighborhood planning and revitalization.  The Creating Sustainable Neighborhoods site assessment is based on the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system - the first national standard for neighborhood sustainability.  Local and tribal governments are eligible to apply for the three-day intensive effort that engages national experts in neighborhood planning.  Successful applicants will be able to identify a specific neighborhood where change is expected due a "catalytic" project, policy, or public investment.  Global Green staff and team review current plans and zoning, conduct a walking tour and field evaluation, meet with stakeholders, complete a LEED-ND checklist to identify strengths and opportunities, and prepare a summary report with a series of targeted and actionable recommendations.   Eight communities nationally will be selected for assistance in 2013.  Deadline for applications is midnight, November 2, Pacific Standard Time. For more information and to apply, please visit:

http://globalgreen.org/leedndtechassist. 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES: APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 2ND

In partnership with the members of their Livability Solutions coalition, Project for Public Spaces is offering free technical assistance workshops on a wide variety of topics, including street audits, transit-oriented development planning, green infrastructure valuation guides, and form based codes.  Project for Public Spaces expects to select 6 to 12 communities nationally for assistance.  Applications are due November 2nd.  For the full details about the kinds of assistance available and how to apply, go to this Project for Public Spaces/Livability Solutions website: http://livabilitysolutions.org/  

USDA Announces Federal Resource Guide to Assist Rural Communities

This USDA guide outlines programs the federal government has available to support rural communities to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for rural residents.  The publication Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Communities is a collaborative effort among USDA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. The publication compiles all of the federal resources that can support rural communities in their efforts to promote economic competitiveness, protect healthy environments, modernize infrastructure and provide services to residents. The guide has key information on funding and technical assistance opportunities available from the four agencies, as well as examples of how rural communities across the country have benefitted from federal resources. The Partnership for Sustainable Communities  website includes contact information for each agency's sustainable communities' office, ongoing project updates for sustainable community grantees around the country, and recent news and grant information from the Partnership. The Partnership is based on six Livability Principles: Provide more transportation choices, Promote equitable, affordable housing, Enhance economic competitiveness, Support existing communities, Coordinate and leverage federal policies and investment, and Value communities and neighborhoods.

Statewide Map of Biking Routes

The Vermont Department of Tourism (VDT) has generated a map of road biking routes in Vermont, as recommended by cycling enthusiasts. Several of Lamoille County's roads were included in this edition: Route 100, 108 North of Jeffersonville, and Route 12. The map can be accessed at http://vermontvacation.com/biking.aspx or by contacting the VDT. This map is the first attempt to create a statewide cycling resource.

New Energy Resources Available! 

The Vermont Natural Resource Council (VNRC) recently published its updated Energy Planning and Implementation Guide for Vermont Municipalities. The guidebook serves as a how-to guide for citizens and local officials interested in proactively addressing energy efficiency and conservation. This document describes over threedozen Vermont success stories.  

Visit http://www.vnrc.org/energy/resources/energy-planning-implementation-guidebook-for-vt-communities.

Planning & Zoning Guide for Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems  

The Two-Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission has published Planning & Zoning Guide for Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems. This 10-page guide outlines how communities can plan for small-scale wind energy and formulate regulations that encourage their development.   

Visit http://www.trorc.org/pubstools.html. 

Renewable Energy for Your Home or Business  

The Northeastern Vermont Development Association has published Renewable Energy for Your Home or Business: How to Guides. Guides are available for the home or business owner explaining how to use solar, small wind, geothermal, and pellet or wood stove technology.   

Visit http://www.nvda.net/TopNavBars/RenewableEnegyHowtoGuides.html.

Street sign and retroreflectivity compliance have changed.  

Deadlines for dates in the MUTCD.  Here is a link to the memo from Vermont Local Roads sent to each municipal highway department, Selectboard Chair and manager/administrator.

Federal Aid Requirements Made Easy

FHWA launched a new and innovative transportation resource called Federal-aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies. This resource puts key information about Federal-aid requirements on a single public website at  www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aid essentials. Local public agency staffers now have a centralized hub for guidance, policies, procedures, and best practices for administering Federal-aid projects. The website's main feature is a library of videos covering key aspects of the project development and delivery process. The videos each focus on a single topic and are all less than 10-minutes long. For more information, contact Project Managers:  Rob Elliott at rob.elliott@dot.gov, or Carin Michel at carin.michel@dot.gov.

Guide to Improving Efficiency in Municipal Street and Public Space Lighting

Street lighting can account for one-quarter of a municipality's electrical bill. Efficiency Vermont has developed a step-by-step guide, Efficiency Vermont's Guide to Improving Efficiency in Municipal Street and Public Space Lighting to encourage municipalities to evaluate their present use of older, less efficient street and public space lighting, eliminate unnecessary lighting, and replace remaining lighting with LED lighting systems. http://tinyurl.com/8qmhcks 

September was Preparedness Month 

Are you, your friends and neighbors prepared for an emergency that might keep you home-bound for several days? Food, batteries, water, radio, and a first aid kit are the basics, but what else will you need, and how will you communicate with loved ones if the power is out for an extended period? Take a look at the Vermont Emergency Management Family Disaster Preparedness Workbook.  You can download a copy vem.vermont.gov, or get a hard copy by calling VEM at (800) 347-0488.