REGIONAL NOTES
November 2015
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CCRPC
CCRPC Calendar of Events

November

11/26 &11/27: CCRPC office closed

December

12/1, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

12/2, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

12/2, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

12/9, 4:00pm: CCRPC Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting

12/9, 6:30pm: Burlington Railyard Enterprise Project Public Meeting

12/10, 7:30am: Chittenden County Municipal Legislative Breakfast

[NOTE: NO CCRPC BOARD MEETING IN DECEMBER]

12/25: CCRPC office closed

January

1/1: CCRPC office closed

1/5, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

1/6, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting 

1/20, 5:30pm: CCRPC Board Training

1/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Commission Meeting

 
CCRPC 
Commission Representatives

Bolton: Joss Besse

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll, Chair

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Marc Landry

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Lou Mossey

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

South Burlington: Chris Shaw

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

Underhill: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Dave Tilton

Williston: Chris Roy, Vice Chair

Winooski: Michael O'Brien

For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here.
 
CCRPC Weekly Traffic Alert

Sign up today to stay in the know about roadway and construction work happening in Chittenden County.

 
Around the County: Photo of the Month
Click photo to enlarge.

Community members gather at the Burlington International Airport's Public Workshop on November 9. 

Photo by Lee Krohn
 

United Way Volunteer Opportunities: Winter & Holiday

Looking for ways to volunteer this winter and holiday season? Check out short-term and special event volunteer opportunities with the United Way for the coming months.

 

Volunteer with Neighbor Rides

Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Chittenden County supported by a dynamic group of community partners that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. This partnership uses volunteer drivers to leverage government and community-funded transportation programs and help more people by decreasing the cost per ride.

 

Following the passing of the Vermont Clean Water Act during the 2015 legislative session, the CCRPC has established a Clean Water Advisory Committee. This committee will oversee the CCRPC's activities and policy development relating to the Vermont Lake Champlain TMDL Plan and its related plans, programs, and permits.

The committee also has a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) subcommittee charged with carrying out the Regional Stormwater Education Program and the Chittenden County Stream Team, both important to the region's understanding and effectiveness in tackling the water quality challenges we face.

While there is much work to be done, the inception of this committee is a necessary and important step in our efforts to continually strengthen our work with our municipalities and the State to find the best ways, financially and strategically, to move forward. Please follow the Clean Water Advisory Committee's efforts here and be in touch with me directly if you have suggestions or feedback.

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director
 
Of Note
CCRPC Accepting FY17 UPWP Applications
The CCRPC is now accepting applications for its FY17 Unified Planning Work Program. The application and all related forms are available online. Deadline: 4:30pm, Friday, January 22, 2016. [Learn More]
CCRPC's Melanie Needle Wins Roots of Prevention Award
CCRPC Senior Planner Melanie Needle accepted the Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community Roots of Prevention Award at a ceremony on 10/21. This annual award acknowledges an individual who has positively impacted Burlington by providing prevention opportunities and supporting health and wellness in the community. Congratulations, Melanie!
 
Transportation News
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Final VTrans On-Road Bicycle Plan Meeting: 12/1
On Tuesday, December 1 from 6-8pm, join VTrans for a final public meeting about the VTrans On-Road Bicycle Plan (Phase 1). The Bicycle Corridor Priority Map will be available for review and comment from December 1-16. [Learn More]
Burlington Railyard Enterprise Project Public Meeting: 12/9
The meeting will present a series of transportation alternatives that enhance economic vitality, livability, and travel connections in the area bordered by King Street to the north, Pine Street to the east, and Marble Avenue/Barge Canal to the south. [Learn More]
Burlington International Airport Seeks Public Review & Comment by 12/10
The Burlington International Airport's Noise Exposure Map is available for review and public comment until December 10. [Learn More]
Vermont Local Roads Workshop: Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility: 12/10
The purpose of this workshop is to provide an overview of a municipality's legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act in relation to providing accessible pedestrian facilities in the public right of way. The focus will be on developing an understanding of design standards for sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks and pedestrian signals. [Learn More]
VTrans Offers Signing Bonuses of Up to $1,000 For Plow Drivers and Mechanics
VTrans is offering incentives to help recruit frontline maintenance workers and mechanics this season. From now through 12/31, newly hired plow drivers and mechanics who already have a commercial driver's license will receive a total of $1,000 in bonuses over the course of their first year of service. [Learn More]
New Online Transportation & Health Tool
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control launched a new online Transportation and Health Tool that provides easy access to data that practitioners can use to examine the health impacts of transportation systems. [Learn More]
FHWA to Host EJ and Title VI Data Webinar Series
The Federal Highway Administration's Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty will host the first in a two-part webinar series on Environmental Justice (EJ) and Title VI Data Collection and Analysis on December 7. [Learn More]
Vermont Gets $10 Million Federal Grant to Help Restore Passenger Rail Service to Burlington
A $10 million federal grant was awarded from the Department of Transportation to improve rail service along Vermont's Western Corridor. The improvements will remove the final hurdle for restoring passenger service between Rutland and Burlington. [Learn More]
Resource Guide: Complete Streets Are Green Streets
These resources will help Vermont communities realize the potential for 'complete' and 'green' streets that improve water quality, expand transportation options and add vibrancy to the streetscape. [Learn More]

Transportation Project News & Updates

For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. [View the latest TAC agenda]
 
Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
Shop Small in Vermont on 11/28 for Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event to celebrate small businesses and to help communities thrive. Small businesses across the state are participating. [Learn More]
Work Force Housing Conference: 12/3
Hear from developers, builders, funders, planners, local officials, state and federal resources at the VT Community Development Association Fall Conference: Work Force Housing - Springboard to Economic Vitality. [Learn More]
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
2015 Vermont Community Energy & Climate Action Conference: 12/5
VECAN and UVM Extension are hosting this annual conference - an event aimed at inspiring, supporting and growing the statewide network of town energy committees and building the capacity and expertise of any Vermonter interested in helping the state meet its efficiency, renewable energy and climate change goals. [Learn More]
Funding Available for Projects on the Vermont Tributaries of Lake Champlain
Grants are now available to support projects that advance long-term or permanent physical enhancements to aquatic and riparian habitat in the tributaries of Lake Champlain through the Lake Champlain and Tributaries Restoration Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation. Applications due 5:00pm, 12/15/15. [Learn More]
Agency of Natural Resources Launches New Website
Aimed to better serve the public, the new site features intuitive links to existing programs within each of the Agency's three departments in addition to expanded content on available maps, planning tools, permitting requirements, grants, loans, and internship opportunities. [Learn More]
Workplace EV Charging Station Incentive Program
Vermont Clean Cities, with support from the Vermont Public Service Department, is now offering two levels of incentives for the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at workplaces across the state. The incentives range from $525 to $1575 depending on the type of charging station. [Learn More]
New Website: Clean Water Vermont
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Watershed Management Division launched its new website, Clean Water Vermont, with helpful factsheets, presentations, and frequently asked questions. [Learn More]
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Citizens' Institute on Rural Design Program Now Accepting Applications
Rural communities are invited to apply to the CIRD program, which offers a $10,00 cash stipend, two-and-a-half day workshop, and access to a wide range of rural design resources. Applications due 1/12/16. [Learn More]
"Spirit of Bolton" Art Contest for All Ages & Abilities
The Bolton Planning Commission is holding an art contest! If you live in Bolton, submit your artwork that captures "The Spirit of Bolton" to compete for gift certificates and cash prizes. Your artwork might also appear in the 2017 Bolton Town Plan. All entries will be displayed at Town Meeting Day. The contest is open to all 2-dimensional media and every age and ability. Artwork must be submitted by January 28. Click here for more information or call Carol Devlin, Assistant Town Clerk, at 434-3064 ex. 221.
Downtown and Village Center Buildings Receive Tax Incentives
Governor Shumlin announced nearly $2.4 million in state tax incentives supporting 27 projects in 21 communities, including two projects in downtown Winooski. [Learn More]
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
Building Awareness About Food Insecurity in Chittenden County
Did you know that 1 in 8 people in Chittenden County struggle to afford the food they need to be healthy? In honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (11/14-11/22), Hunger Free Vermont and the ECOS Partnership encourage you to build awareness about food insecurity in your town. Click here for guidance on the opportunities for change that exist in your community.
Rights & Democracy Summit: Building an Economy for People and the Planet: 12/5
Rights & Democracy's mission is to bring people together to make the values and needs of our communities guide the policies of our government. Join in skill-building workshops, policy trainings and guest speakers at this December 5th Summit. [Learn More]
Vermont Collective Impact Conference Video & Resources Available
The Vermont Collective Impact Conference on October 20 was a powerful day of learning that educated and inspired nearly 250 attendees. Conference presentations and other resources are now available online. [Learn More]
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 5
Public Information Officer Training Available: 12/11
The Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is offering a course providing emergency responders the basics of public information and media relations. December 11, 2015 at the CCRPC office. [Learn More]
Tools for Weathering the Storm
The Vermont Economic Resiliency Initiative team developed '101' guidance, checklists and more advanced tools that communities and businesses can use to weather the next storm. [Learn More]
Contact
For questions regarding emergency preparedness, including LEPC 1, please contact Lee Krohn in the CCRPC office.
 
Save the Date
Upcoming events in Chittenden County and beyond
Vermont Climate Economy Summit: February 22, 2016
Join the Vermont Council on Rural Development to review a platform of action developed by the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council and consider action to create jobs, build national reputation, and attract young people to our rural communities. [Learn More]
2016 Vermont Walk/Bike Summit: April 1-2, 2016
The second statewide Walk/Bike Summit will be held in Rutland, Vermont on April 1-2, 2016. [Learn More]
National Rural Transportation Conference: June 13-15
This annual event provides peer-to-peer learning for regional transportation planners, state DOT representatives, and their partners. [Learn More]
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *21.