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Good afternoon,
The first public hearing for the Burlington-Winooski Bridge Project was held on September 19 and served as a forum for discussing this important project with the greater community. This well-attended event, held in Winooski at the O'Brien Community Center, facilitated discussion about the project goals, timeline, expectations, and anticipated ways the community can provide input and help shape the design of the bridge. Those who were unable to attend the meeting can find a recording posted here soon.
To briefly summarize the project, the 95-year-old Burlington-Winooski Bridge is reaching the end of its service life and no longer meets the multi-modal needs of the community. The project area accommodates over 25,000 vehicles and roughly 300-500 pedestrians and bicyclists per day. This is a drastic difference since the bridge was first constructed to primarily accommodate trolleys. The bridge replacement will improve connectivity, traffic flow, and safety for all users by providing separated facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians and look for ways to slow vehicle speeds. The overall project will include replacing the bridge and reconstructing the Riverside Ave / Colchester Ave / Barret St / Mill St intersection, immediately south of the bridge. VTrans is managing this project in close coordination with the Cities of Burlington and Winooski, who co-own the bridge. A $25M federal RAISE Grant was awarded to cover a portion of the construction.
Throughout the project, there will be many in-person and virtual opportunities to learn about the project, share ideas, and provide feedback. Please visit the project website and sign up to receive important email updates, as well as to submit comments to the project team.
We look forward to working closely with the community as this project moves forward. For more information about this and other current projects in your community, visit our website.
Wishing you a safe and happy fall!
Best regards,
Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
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CCRPC Equity Statement Adopted
In reflecting on our role and responsibility, CCRPC decided that having an organizational equity statement is a critical foundational piece of work upon which future work will be based. Over the last few months, a statement was developed in collaboration with all CCRPC staff, CCRPC Equity Advisory Committee members, community partners, and the CCRPC Executive Committee. At its meeting on September 20, the CCRPC Board formally adopted the following statement:
Acknowledgement of the Problem: CCRPC acknowledges that structural oppression contributes to persistent disparities and condemns racism and discrimination in all its forms.
Recognition of our Role and Responsibility: As a governmental planning organization with decision-making influence, the work of CCRPC significantly impacts people throughout Chittenden County. We hold ourselves responsible for identifying and addressing historic and current inequities in our own practices as well as those of the planning field as a whole.
Our Commitment: We commit to constantly evaluating our work to transform our actions, policies, and procedures through continuous education, leveraging assets to improve access, and meaningful collaboration with those most impacted by the problems we seek to address.
Our Goal: In doing so, we hope to co-create a community where identity and socio-economic status no longer influence life outcomes and where all -- not the select few -- are seen, heard, belong, and treated as experts in their own experience.
Learn more about the Equity Statement development and current equity efforts at CCRPC »
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Resource Available: Religious and Cultural Days of Significance Calendar
CCRPC staff prepared a religious and cultural days of significance calendar for 2023 and 2024. This calendar is not exhaustive, but is intended to be a resource to be consulted prior to scheduling meetings and events. View the Calendar »
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Sign Up for the CCRPC's Weekly Traffic Alert
During construction season, the CCRPC provides a weekly traffic alert email service, the source for all roadway and construction work in Chittenden County. To review current and future alerts, subscribe to the weekly traffic alert email, or for more information, contact Taylor Dorn at trafficalert@ccrpcvt.org.
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Survey: Burlington Transportation Options Study
The Burlington City Council has declared that a climate emergency exists which threatens Burlington's community and human health and safety, biodiversity, and common environment. This climate emergency declaration calls for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled through transportation demand management (TDM). To better craft the city's new TDM program, City Planning staff have created the Transportation Options Survey to collect feedback on current transportation and mobility needs of Burlington residents and commuters. Learn More »
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CATMA 2nd Annual Transportation Summit: October 12
The 2nd annual CATMA Transportation Summit is scheduled for October 12, 2023 at the UVM Davis Center in Burlington. CATMA's Transportation Summit brings together businesses, policy makers, planners, and transportation professionals. Discussions range from transportation policy to business solutions for housing and transportation. Learn More »
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EV Safety and Technician Training: October 25 & 26, 9am-5pm
Vermont Clean Cities and Maine Clean Communities are sponsoring a course administered by AVTG that will cover a variety of topics related to light and heavy duty EVs. Learn More »
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GMT to Resume Urban Fare Collection on January 2, 2024
Green Mountain Transit (GMT) will resume fare collection on January 2, 2024 on Chittenden County and LINK Express routes. Learn More »
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Transportation Projects & Updates
For a full list of current transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee webpage; a full project list is included in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly.
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Vermont Works for Women Women Can Do Conference: October 5
Women Can Do is a one-day career exploration fair for high school girls and gender-expansive youth to learn about STEM and trades fields. Students participate in dozens of hands-on activities, meet Vermont professionals and employers, and explore a variety of education and career pathways. Learn More »
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Hello Burlington Destination Summit: November 15
Hello Burlington will host its first annual Destination Summit on Wednesday, November 15 at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain. The event will recap the region's year in travel, take a look at upcoming developments for the visitor economy around the region, and end with a reception to celebrate the close of another busy high season. The event is open to all and registration will begin in September. Learn More »
| ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES | |
South Burlington Energy Festival This Saturday, Sept. 30
Join South Burlington for a day of fun, food, prizes, and sustainable energy! On Saturday, September 30, from 10am-2pm, the South Burlington Energy Committee is hosting a festival in support of the City's Climate Action Plan and dedicated to engaging the community on ways to reduce our energy costs and carbon footprint. The event will take place at Public Library and City Hall, 180 Market St., and will feature more than 20 exhibitors, food vendors, kids' activities, live music, and short seminars. Learn More »
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Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits Available Now
Visit the Rewiring America free calculator to get an estimate of what credits and/or rebates you could qualify for. Learn More »
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Efficiency Vermont: Your DIY Weatherization Plan of Action Starts Here
With fall finally arriving, Vermont residents know cooler weather is on the way. Make sure your home stays warm all winter long with these nine projects from Efficiency Vermont. Learn More »
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American Climate Corps Launched
On September 20, the Biden-Harris Administration launched the American Climate Corps to train young people in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience skills, create good-paying jobs and tackle the climate crisis. The American Climate Corps will focus on equity and environmental justice -- prioritizing communities traditionally left behind. Learn More »
| EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESILIENCY | |
Flood Recovery: Stay Up to Date on Critical Funding
The recovery effort continues as Vermont rebuilds from this summer's catastrophic flooding. Critical funds are available for affected businesses. Visit Efficiency Vermont's Flood Disaster Recovery Resources page for helpful information on rebates, financing, and other energy efficiency resources. Learn More »
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Vermont Language Justice Project Flood Response Videos in 16 Languages
The Vermont Language Justice Project has produced 50 different flood response video messages across 16 languages. These videos include information about drinking water, safely returning to a home that has been flooded, how gardens and farms can be contaminated by flood water, and scams purporting to provide emergency relief. Learn More »
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Flood Recovery Resources
The CCRPC has compiled a list of flood disaster recovery resources. Learn More »
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"Missing Middle" Coffee Chats: October 3 & 25
Join AARP VT and the City of Burlington for a free cup of coffee and get the latest scoop on what's happening on the housing front. A series of coffee chats in neighborhoods around Burlington will be held in October and November to discuss benefits of and opportunities for "missing middle housing." Register for the 9:00am chat on October 3 (Bagel Cafe & Deli) or October 25 (Zero Gravity).
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AARP VT Winter Placemaking Grants Now Available
AARP Vermont is committed to helping towns and organizations create livable communities for older adults to live and thrive. Vermont's cold and dark winter months pose several challenges for residents across the state, one of which is social isolation. The Winter Placemaking Grant Program focuses on helping communities embrace the winter months by reinventing public spaces to encourage activities and social engagement. Deadline for submissions is 5:00pm on October 16. Learn More »
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Public Hearing on Application for Federal Funds to Remove Obstacles to Housing: October 19 -- Interpretation Available
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development is seeking comments on its application for an $8M HUD PRO (Pathways to Removing Obstacles) Housing award. This award would fund removal of barriers to affordable housing by a consortium of public and non-profit agencies in Vermont including activities such as improving local zoning and land use regulations statewide, pre-development grants to activate in-fill housing development in high resource areas and preserving scarce naturally-occurring affordable apartments through health and safety repairs. The draft application will be available for review on October 6 on this webpage. Written comments may be submitted before October 19. A public hearing will be held at 6pm on October 19 at the VHFA offices (164 Saint Paul Street, Burlington) or virtually via Zoom. If you speak or sign a language other than English and would like assistance to participate in the hearing, please notify Leslie Black-Plumeau by October 12. For further information or questions, contact Leslie Black-Plumeau.
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2023 State and Local Government Municipal Day: October 20
The Agency of Natural Resources will hold its 10th State and Local Government Municipal Day on October 20, 2023 at National Life from 7:30am-3:45pm. Municipal Day has always aimed to strengthen the partnership between the State and local government, but this year in particular, the informational event will be key in helping communities build back stronger after the summer floods. Registration will remain open until the end of the day of the event; walk-ins are welcome. The full-day session costs $35 and includes breakfast pastries and a lunch buffet. Learn More »
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National Digital Inclusion Week and Webinar Opportunities
Digital Inclusion Week, kicking off on October 2, is held annually to bring awareness and recognition to the importance of digital access. The Collins Center at UMass Boston is hosting a webinar on October 24 from 11am-12pm on ADA and the Web: Bridging the Digital Accessibility Gap. This webinar will review the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and will provide a series of live demonstrations of actionable items that your municipality can start implementing immediately to better reach residents and make content more accessible. More webinars and other learning opportunities are available on the Digital Inclusion Week website.
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Vermont Early Childhood Fund Announces 2024 Funding Opportunities
The Vermont Early Childhood Fund is a Building Bright Futures (BBF) program and supports creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children from the prenatal period to age 8, their families, and the Vermont communities where they live. BBF opened the application process for two grant programs, and applications are due by Friday, November 10. Two virtual information sessions will be held on October 4. Learn More »
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United Way of Northwest Vermont Launches 2023 Community Campaign
United Way of Northwest Vermont, an organization dedicated to improving lives in Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties, has officially launched its 2023 Community Campaign with the theme: United in Purpose. Learn More »
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Language Translation
The CCRPC newsletter can be translated into many languages using Google Translate. Visit the newsletter webpage for more information.
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Quick Links
CCRPC Website »
CCRPC Calendar »
Cultural and Religious Days of Significance Calendar »
CCRPC Traffic Alert Program »
Vermont League of Cities & Towns Resources »
Vermont Open Meeting Law Updates and FAQ »
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Calendar
Please Note: All meetings are virtual unless otherwise specified. Information needed to join remotely is included in every meeting agenda, which is posted in advance to each committee webpage.
Find all CCRPC committee webpages here.
OCTOBER
10/3, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
[CANCELED] 10/3, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
10/3, 12:30pm: MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting
10/4, 5:45pm: Executive Committee Meeting
10/9: CCRPC Office Closed (Indigenous Peoples Day)
10/10, 7:00pm: Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting
10/11, 3:00pm: Chittenden County Communications Union District Board Meeting
10/18, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting
10/25, 3:00pm: Chittenden County Communications Union District Board Meeting
10/25, 5:00pm: Equity Advisory Committee Meeting
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CCRPC Board of Directors FY24 Membership
FY24 Membership is effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Bolton: Vacant
Buel's Gore: Garret Mott
Burlington: Andy Montroll
Charlotte: Dana Hanley
Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy
Essex: Andy Watts
Essex Junction: Elaine Haney
Hinesburg: Michael Bissonette
Huntington: Joe Segale
Jericho: Catherine McMains
Milton: Chuck Wilton
Richmond: Bard Hill (Vice Chair)
Shelburne: John Zicconi
St. George: Jeff Pillsbury
So. Burlington: Chris Shaw (Chair)
Underhill: Brad Holden
Westford: Ben Bornstein
Williston: Andy Watts
Winooski: Mike O'Brien
For more information about the Board of Directors, click here.
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The CCRPC Funding Database is a near complete list of funding opportunities available to municipalities, non-profits, and businesses for planning and infrastructure-related projects. The list is updated by CCRPC staff annually every July. Users may filter the database by category, funding agency, and eligible organizations. Learn More »
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| Click the map below to access links to each municipality, where you can find current projects, data reports, key statistics, and more. | |
Ask a CCRPC Transportation or Land Use Planner
Do you have a general question about transportation or land use planning in Chittenden County? Email info@ccrpcvt.org and you'll be connected with the right CCRPC staff person and/or resources to get your question answered.
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Leaves Coming Down? Time to Button Up
Efficiency Vermont and local partners are hosting events where you can learn how to keep the cold at bay this winter. You can find in-person or virtual events every week in October! Visit the Button Up Vermont website for the list of events and find one near you. Learn More »
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CCRPC Staff
Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner
Pam Brangan, GIS Data and IT Manager
Jason Charest, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager
Forest Cohen, Senior Business Manager
Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner
Marshall Distel, Senior Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Senior Transportation Planner
Christine Forde, Senior Transportation Planner
Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Manager
Ann Janda, Senior Energy Project Manager
Sarah Muskin, Planner
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Taylor Newton, Planning Program Manager
Sai Sarepalli, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Darren Schibler, Senior Planner
Mckenzie Spear, Business Office Associate
Anne Nelson Stoner, Equity and Engagement Manager
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
For more information, including staff bios and contact details, click here.
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