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Regional Notes from the RPC 
 November 2012 
In This Issue
Comment on ECOS Plan
CIRC Task Force Requests Funding
Grants/Opportunities
2012 Transportation Survey: limit new roads; more can telecommute
The results of the 2012 Transportation Survey are now posted on the CCRPC website.  Check it out!


"Winooski, My Town"
Winooski has a song! Check out the new song and video by A2VT, a group of African musicians living in Vermont.


VT Flexes Highway funds to Transit
Vermont is on the cutting edge of flexing highway $ to transit. Read article here.
Winooski Falls
Wiinooski Falls, Winter
Greetings!

Seasons Greetings.

As we busily tend to end-of-year projects, and celebrate with family, friends and co-workers, it is also time to look ahead to the New Year -- and for us in the Planning field, we're looking ahead 5 years!

Like any personal goal, the goals for our County are attainable if we set a course with clear action steps. In the ECOS Plan, there are numerous Action steps that support eight integrated Strategies.

We want to know if you think these are the right Strategies and Actions to help us attain our goals. You have until December 31, 2012 to comment on the Strategies and Actions of the new 5-year ECOS Plan at www.ecosproject.com.  (Please see below for more information.)

We hope you will share your ideas.  We can only get there together.

Happy Holidays,

Sincerely,

Charlie Baker,
Executive Director
Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission

Building a Bridge to the Future

Contribute Your Thoughts and Ideas to the ECOS Plan 

The 5-year ECOS Plan aims to create an interdisciplinary regional plan that will more effectively address our complex challenges, and create a sustainable and prosperous future for the County.  

We need your input to help us get it right. 

The 8 key strategies in the Plan are:

  1. Improve and strengthen economic systems
  2. Concentrate growth in town/village centers
  3. Improve water safety and quality
  4. Invest in working lands
  5. Focus on optimal health and personal safety
  6. Equip residents with the education and skills they need to thrive
  7. Develop financing and governance systems
  8. Ensure equity across all activities  

Are these the right Strategies?

What Actions might help us attain our goals?

 

From now to December 31, 2012 you can vote and comment on each of the Strategies (and the many Actions) at www.ecosproject.com.

 

Thank you for your contributions! 


CIRC Alternatives Task Force Requests 13.9 Million in Funding
Six Projects in Region
The CIRC Alternatives Task Force approved six projects totaling $13.9 million in funding to alleviate traffic and improve safety. A letter requesting the funding went to Secretary of Transportation Brian Searles.
Read the funding request and full list of projects, and learn more about Task Force here and at www.circtaskforce.org.

Of Note - New Stormwater Permitting
Larger Municipalities Required to Develop Maximum Daily Loads of Pollutants

Last week, Vermont's MS4 Permit was issued. This permit authorizes stormwater discharges from the more urbanized areas of Chittenden County. The most significant change is the requirement for municipalities to develop plans to implement stormwater TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads of pollutants). Click here for the Stormwater MS4 Permit Press Release and MS4 Permit Q&A. For more information on the MS4 Permit, contact Christy Witters at (802) 490-6173 or via email at [email protected]


Kudos
Vermont Shines in Health Rankings
Looking at several contributors to overall health, including crime rates and chronic disease, Vermont ranks as the healthiest state, according to
America's Health Rankings.

State Funds $84,254 of Planning Projects in Chittenden County
Project Details:
  • Village of Essex Junction - Municipal Plan
    • State Funds Awarded: $14,624
    • The Village of Essex Junction is updating the Town Plan to address the new street (Crescent Connector) and associated development in their village to encourage a vibrant and more walkable village center.
  •  Town of Hinesburg - Planning for Designation
    • State Funds Awarded: $15,000
    • The Town of Hinesburg will develop population projections, a build out analysis, an infrastructure assessment,
      and a review of capital improvements to support the Growth Center Designation application submission.
  •  Town of Jericho - Infrastructure Planning
    • State Funds Awarded: $15,000
    • The Town of Jericho will develop a development-ready master plan to guide and facilitate development in Riverside Flats.
  •   Town of Shelburne - Infrastructure Planning
    • State Funds Awarded: $14,620
    • The Town of Shelburne will conduct a market assessment, infrastructure and parking analysis, and develop land use scenarios to support new development in the village center.
  •  City of S. Burlington- Zoning and/or Subdivision Bylaw Update
    • State Funds Awarded: $15,000
    • The City of South Burlington is overhauling its Land Development Regulations with the creation of the City Center form-based code through an active public participation process.
  • Town of Westford - Zoning and/or Subdivision Bylaw Update
    • State Funds Awarded: $10,010
    • The Town of Westford will create a conceptual development plan for their village center that will guide development and provide standards and updates to their land use regulations.

Opportunites/Grants
 
$2 Admission at ECHO Center Jan 12th: RACE: Are we so different? 
Great opportunity to see this exhibit before it closes on January 27th. This daylong event will focus on experiences with race and identity in Vermont. Programs include a special performance by the African hip hop trio A2VT which means "Africa to Vermont," as well as a panel discussion about Asian American Identity, focused on the complex dynamics of race relationships shaped by Asian Americans, which are often invisible in today's conversations about race. The day will conclude with original films, and conversations with filmmakers, about Native American Identity and Culture in Vermont.

4th Round Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for Damages
from May, 2012 Storm

The Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) is now accepting HMGP applications from towns and agencies in all Vermont counties in connection with the most recent disasters. The HMGP program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is administered by Emergency Management.  Federal funds are available to cover up to 75% of project costs; however, there is a 25% local match requirement that is the responsibility of the applicant.  Unlike prior HMGP rounds, the 25% local match share for property acquisitions can not be provided by the state as this funding source has been depleted.     

 

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Emergency Management are due by January 18, 2013. Application and more information at: Vermont Emergency Management           

 

USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Loans and Grants    Use these low interest loans & grants to renovate, repair, purchase or construct buildings which house community services or purchase equipment for the facilities.This program serves non-profits & public bodies.

 

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applications submitted by January 18, 2013 will compete for the 2013 grant funding. Grant funding is Needs Based, Very Limited and Competitive.   

 

Contact for Chittenden County is  Karen Lynch 802-828-6044 or [email protected] 

Link to full program info 

Link to application 

 

$986,500 in Grant Funds available from the Working Landscape Enterprise Board 

The Working Lands Enterprise initiative will invest in three areas related to Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: 

 

1.    Enterprise Investments ($3,000-$15,000 grants, Required Minimum 25% cash match of grant amount requested)

2.    Working Lands Service Provider Grants ($10,000 - $100,000 grants, Required Minimum 50% cash and in-kind match of grant amount requested)

3.    Capital and Infrastructure Investments ($15,000 - $100,000 grants, Required Minimum 1:1 Match (in-kind and at least 50% cash) of grant amount requested)

More info and applications available at VermontWorkingLands.com.   

Contact [email protected] with questions.  

 

Transportation Alternatives Program
VTrans is now accepting applications for the Transportation Alternatives Program, which is part of the new federal transportation legislation entitled Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21).   The Transportation Alternatives Program provides funding for a variety of project types, many of which were previously eligible under the former Transportation Enhancement Program.  Visit the VTrans Transportation Alternatives website for more information.