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Upcoming Events
AUGUST
>> No CCRPC Commission Meeting in August
SEPTEMBER
9/2, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
9/17, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
9/17, 6:00pm: CCRPC Commission Meeting
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Traffic Alert Program
Construction season is in full swing! Stay in the know by signing up for our weekly Traffic Alert emails -- your source for roadway and construction work in Chittenden
County.
Sign up today:
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| | Have You Joined Front Porch Forum? | |
Front Porch Forum's mission is to help neighbors connect and build community. It does that by hosting regional networks of online neighborhood forums. Common sense and a growing body of research tell us that well-connected neighborhoods are friendlier places to live, with less crime, healthier residents, higher property values, and better service from local government and public utilities.
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| | Fall into Volunteering with United Way |
Looking for ways to volunteer this fall? Check out United Way of Chittenden County's Fall 2014 Ways of Caring Newsletter for a variety of different volunteer options.
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| | Route 802 Selected to Produce the "Official Vermont State App" and Travel Planner | |
Following a rigorous selection process, Route 802 has been chosen to develop Vermont's official tourism mobile app, VisitVT, for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.
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Governor's Dashboard - Version 1.0
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This Dashboard is intended to provide access to relevant information about the state summarized into topic areas. Clicking on the options (Jobs, Housing, Income, Public Safety, etc.) will bring you to pages that include a topic summary and specific statistics that show how the state is doing in relation to the nation, other states and over time.
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| | | New & Improved Vermont Information Planning Center Website |
The Vermont Planning Information Center is a clearing house of information for planning commissions, zoning boards, development review boards, their staff, and all others involved in land planning and regulation in Vermont.
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American Red Cross
 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 7:30am-1pm
Call or go online to schedule an appointment today.
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On July 16, the CCRPC Board approved the FY2015-FY2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The TIP lists all projects expected to receive federal funds for design, right-of-way acquisition or construction in federal fiscal years 2015 through 2018 (October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2018). During the next four years, more than $235 million in federal dollars are slated for transportation projects throughout Chittenden County. More information in the FY2015-FY2018 TIP can be found here.
Included within the TIP are the following projects that are currently under construction in Chittenden County:
- Burlington Waterfront Bike Path Improvements | Burlington is beginning the first phase of a multi-year project to upgrade the Burlington Bike Path. The first phase of the project will focus on the area near the Moran Plant.
- Hinesburg Village VT116 Corridor Improvements | Hinesburg has begun construction on a new sidewalk connection on the west side of VT116 between Charlotte Road and the Hinesburg Community School.
- I-89 Bridge Replacement, Milton | VTrans has an ongoing project to replace the I-89 Bridge over the Lamoille River in Milton. Work on this bridge is expected to be completed in June of 2016.
- I-89 Resurfacing, Richmond / Colchester | VTrans began repaving this important section of I-89 in the spring. Paving will be completed this year.
- VT15 Footbridge, Jericho | VTrans has begun replacement of a damaged and closed pedestrian bridge over the Browns River in Jericho, adjacent to VT15. The new pedestrian bridge will be completed by mid-October.
- Richmond Park & Ride | VTrans has completed a major upgrade to the Richmond Park & Ride lot and has installed a new traffic signal at the intersection of the I-89 Southbound Off Ramp with US2 and the Park & Ride entrance.
- US2/Exit 14 Improvements (Staples Lane), South Burlington | Construction has begun on a third eastbound travel lane in front of Staples Plaza. This project continues the lane that currently ends at the Staples Plaza entrance driveway. This project will be completed this year.
As we move toward implementing our FY15 Unified Planning Work Program, we invite you to stay informed about these and all our current projects by joining the project mailing lists, attending upcoming meetings, providing your feedback and contacting us along the way with any questions.
Best regards,
Michele Boomhower
Assistant/MPO Director
Chittenden County RPC
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Of Note
New Grant Program: Animating Infrastructure
The Vermont Arts Council seeks proposals from Vermont community organizations to engage artists in planning, design, and/or fabrication of public art in infrastructure projects and to think beyond the ordinary as they envision new buildings, roads, bridges, and other public spaces.
 To learn more, you can attend an information session, where participants will have the opportunity to vision and brainstorm sample project ideas in their own community and learn about the application process. A one-page letter of intent is due 10/1. [Learn More]
CCRPC to Host First Red Cross Blood Drive
The CCRPC will host its first blood drive for the American Red Cross on
Thursday, August 28th from 10am-3pm at the CCRPC office -- 110 West Canal Street, Suite 202, Winooski. Please join us in making this event a success! You can sign up for an appointment at 1-800-RED-CROSS, or just walk in during the drive hours. Contact Peter Keating at the CCRPC for more information.
Vermont Open Meeting Law Amendments
Vermont's Open Meeting Law was amended in 2014. Changes include creating and posting an agenda in advance and making minutes of the meeting available within a certain timeframe. For more information, the Vermont League of Cities & Town Municipal Assistance Center has written a primer on the law, showing recent changes in italics. [Learn More]
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Transportation News
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
2015 Municipal Park & Ride Grant Program
VTrans is soliciting proposals for the creation of small Park and Ride facilities in Vermont communities. The 2015 Municipal Park and Ride grant program has been funded at $250,000 and applications will be accepted through August 31st, 2014. If your community needs assistance in preparing a Park and Ride Grant Application, please contact CCRPC's Peter Keating at pkeating@ccrpcvt.org or 802-846-4490 x14.
Neighbor Rides Community Transportation
 1 out of every 5 seniors aged 65 and older no longer drives, yet over 80% of suburban and rural Chittenden County elders have limited transit access. Want to help them with their transportation needs? Volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles to take seniors and people with disabilities to medical appointments, grocery stores and life-enriching activities throughout Chittenden County. [Learn More & Volunteer]Last Month of Daily Island Line Bike Ferry Service The Island Line Bike Ferry service runs seven days a week until September 1 when service goes back to weekends and holidays, 10am-6pm. Bike Ferry service ends on October 13. [Learn More]
Transportation Project News
Recent Completed Scoping Studies - Final Reports Available
New Transportation Projects Underway
The following new projects are getting underway, and websites for each will be available within the coming months:
- Regional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Plan Update
- Charlotte Village Area Projects, including: 1.) Intersection of US7/Ferry Road/Church Hill; 2.) Park & Ride Scoping Study; 3.) Sidewalk Scoping Study, Ferry Road from US7 to Greenbush Road
- Underhill Sidewalk Implementation Project
- Milton Sidewalk Scoping Studies
- Hinesburg Sidewalk Scoping Studies
- Burlington Parking Management Plan
- Burlington Residential Parking Study
- Plan BTV South End
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Emma Long: elong@ccrpcvt.org.
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Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
State Receives Federal Money to Attract Health Professionals to Underserved Areas
Vermont's health care system received a boost from Washington to help it hire health care professionals to work in underserved parts of the state. The federal Health Resources & Services Administration gave $250,000 to the state's loan repayment program, which will be used to erase student debt for providers who take jobs with Vermont's federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics. There are towns in every county in the state that are considered underserved. For more details on eligibility and the application process: [Learn More]
North Street Seeing Commercial Redevelopment
North Street is seeing its first commercial redevelopment in 50 years with the construction of a new building that features seven apartments and ground floor neighborhood-scale commercial space in the Old North End.  The site is located at the busy intersection of North St., Elmwood Ave. and Intervale Ave., filling in what had previously been a vacant parking lot. The ground-floor commercial space will house Abe's Corner Accelerator, which invests in, co-locates and supports start-ups focused in digital marketing and advertising.
LCRCC eLearning Center - New Look & Resources
The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce's eLearning Center has a new look and loads of courses to help train employers and employees - including courses in Microsoft, Customer Service, Human Resources, Management, Accounting & Finance, Business Communication, Social Media, and much more. [Learn More]
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Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Funding Available for Community Projects
AARP is now accepting applications for its Community Action Sponsorship Program. This program will provide funding to Burlington neighborhood groups and small non-profits for projects that advance the recommendations of the Burlington Livable Community Project. Priority areas for funding include projects that create more transportation and housing options and those that foster multi-cultural and intergenerational connections. AARP will select up to three groups for one-year funding in the range of $500-$2,000 each. The deadline for applications is August 29, 2014. [Learn More & Apply]
Burlington Young Professionals Housing Survey
The Burlington Young Professionals Group (part of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce) wants to know what young professionals think about the housing options in and around Burlington. Answer the short housing survey, and be entered to win one of three gift certificates. [Take the Survey]
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Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategy 4
New Electric Vehicle Station at the Red Hen Bakery
In July, State officials celebrated the arrival of Vermont's newest electric vehicle charging station at the Red Hen Bakery. The charging station installed in Middlesex is part of a "Green Energy Corridor" that will, once completed, have enough charging stations for motorists to travel from Boston to Montreal on electric-only vehicles.
Renewable Energy 2014 Conference & Expo
Renewable Energy 2014 (RE 2014) is Vermont's annual convention bringing together key players in the renewables sector. This year's conference, slated for October 16 & 17, highlights current energy challenges, Vermont's leadership role in the energy industry, and the steps needed to implement an integrated energy infrastructure. [Learn More & Register]
Vermont Environmental and Regulatory Seminar
Associated Industries of Vermont will host a special Environmental and Regulatory Seminar on August 19 in Montpelier. The seminar will feature presentations, commentary, and audience Q&A with expert panelists from ANR and legal, engineering, and related private sector firms, and cover issues impacting private and public sector members of the regulated community and the professionals who serve them. [Learn More & Register]
Contact
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Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 5
New Website: Flood Ready Vermont
Flood damage has become more common and more costly. All over the state, selectboard members, planning commission members, town officials, planners, and residents are working to address known flood risks and to avoid increasing their exposure to flood damage. Check out Flood Ready Vermont, a new website with online tools, maps and useful information to help communities become flood resilient. [Learn More]
Reminder: Important Changes Regarding Vermont's Emergency Relief & Assistance Fund (ERAF)
Following the recovery from Tropical Storm Irene, the State of Vermont modified its standard for managing the State's ERAF. The new standard, which will be effective for any disaster after October 23, 2014, is structured to encourage municipalities to take four basic steps to prepare their their communities before the next disaster. [Letter from Jeb Spaulding]
>> NOTE: The CCRPC is tracking progress within Chittenden County in regards to towns meeting these eligibility requirements. Please contact Dan Albrecht at the CCRPC with any questions.
Contact
For questions regarding Emergency Preparedness, including LEPC 1 or 5, please contact Lee Krohn in the CCRPC office.
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Save the Date
Regional Events
Northern New England Chapter American Planning Association Annual Conference: September 11-12
Held at the Stoweflake Resort & Spa in Stowe, this year's theme is big picture planning; planning for big issues and big outcomes. Topics include climate change, transportation/infrastructure, and economic development -- in the New England context. [Learn More]
Hunger Free Vermont's 2014 Hike For Hunger: September 27
Enjoy a beautiful morning walk at Catamount Outdoor Family Center; hike either a 1.5- or 3-mile loop; fundraise as an individual or a team with your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. Contact Monica Taylor for more details. [Learn More]
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If you have questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact us. 
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