Upcoming Events

VLCT Storm Resources

VLCT has set up an excellent resource page to assist municipalities in the aftermath of last week's storm and flooding. Information can be found here! In addition, they publish a number of informative topics in their recent news!

ACCD Severe Storm Resource Center

The ACCD Severe Storm Resource Center is live. Please visit accd.vermont.gov/flood for the latest information on staying safe, getting help, giving help, clearing debris, documenting damage, and how to protect your mental health during this difficult time. ACCD will be continuously updating this site as new details emerge.

Information Needed

The state of Vermont will pursue a federal disaster declaration which, if granted, would unlock resources for repairing and rebuilding. For that application to be a success, the state needs your help.

Please document your damage and report it to Vermont 211. The state of Vermont will use this data to make its case to the federal government for a disaster declaration. You can help by:

·    Taking pictures, videos, and notes before you start cleaning.

·    Taking pictures, videos, and notes during cleanup.

·    Saving receipts to keep track of your expenses.

·    Reporting damage, even if you are not submitting an insurance claim, using the “Resident Form” or “Business Form”. You can also call 211 to report damage, but online reporting is preferred.

Remember, this data is only being used to help the state assess the extent of the damage as it applies for a federal disaster declaration. 

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

Launches Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Assistance Program

Montpelier, Vermont – July 17, 2024

With Funding for Housing Navigation from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission has contracted with Osso Studios to help residents develop conceptual plans to convert existing structures into Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). CVRPC has contracted the services of an architect, plumber, and electrician to conduct site visits with local residents to assess budget and conceptual designs for an ADU conversion.

CVRPC will provide $2,000 grant with $500 expected contribution from the homeowner for a total of $2,500 in design work to prepare concept designs and preliminary cost estimates that can be used to engage a contractor, electric and plumbing consultant in ADU development.

Accessory Dwelling Units are independent living units with facilities and provisions for sleeping, food preparation, and sanitation, with the owner living on the lot (either the accessory or primary dwelling unit), and not sized more than 30% of the primary dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is greater.

This project offers support to property owners building in an existing structure and is intended for a primary residence NOT a short-term rental property.

For more information or to apply, please go to CVRPC’s website, go to Programs and click Community and Economic Development from the dropdown menu.

https://centralvtplanning.org/programs/community-and-economic-development/

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Contact:          Eli Toohey, Community Development Planner

toohey@cvregion.com

802-229-0389, ext. 04

Community Leadership Summit

Registration has opened for the 2024 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: Forge Forward, Thrive Together! The event will take place on Tuesday, August 6th at Vermont State University in Randolph, Vermont, and is hosted by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD).

Join hundreds of community builders from across the state to build skills, capacity, and connections - and forge forward towards a thriving and resilient future for all. This year’s event offers a range of topics tailored to support people working on all aspects of local vitality and resilience - capacity, economic vitality, emergency preparedness, youth engagement, inclusion, and more. Attendees can participate in any session, or follow optional “Participation Pathways” of Climate Resilience and Long-term Recovery; Youth Leadership and Engagement; or Understanding and Solving Our Persistent Challenges. 

See the full agenda and sliding-scale registration (including signing up for lunch and accessibility accommodations) at vtrural.org/summit. All who are interested in supporting their community and the future of the state are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Cross Vermont Trail - Storm Update & Annual Meeting Rescheduling

Due to the recent flooding Cross Vermont Trail has rescheduled their annual meeting to September in conjunction with their fall foliage bike ride in Groton. Many of their trails were impacted by the recent storm. Get all the details at https://www.crossvermont.org/

RFPs & Grant Information

EECBG (Energy Efficiency And Conservation Block Grant) Sub Grants

This funding opportunity, made possible by the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, aims to assist local governments in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing fossil fuel emissions, particularly in the transportation and building sectors. The initiative focuses on creating a sustainable and equitable energy economy, prioritizing disadvantaged communities, and promoting inclusive workforce opportunities. Municipalities are invited to propose projects that align with these goals, selecting from a range of eligible activities designed to improve local and regional energy strategies. It can be used for EVs, EV chargers, and bikes (electric &conventional), building energy assessments & audits, transportation (bike, pedestrian, traffic signal synchronization, satellite work facilities) planning, building code related work, zoning updates re efficiency and conservation, etc. Please feel free to contact CVRPC's Climate & Energy Planner Sam Lash lash@cvregion.com or CVRPC Senior Transportation Planner Reuben MacMartin macmartin@cvregion.com for assistance. Additional Program detail here.

Hazard Mitigation Buyouts - Update from VLCT

The State has made it easier and less burdensome for municipalities to participate in Hazard Mitigation Program grants for property buyouts submitted by 8/16. More details here.