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FEBRUARY
2/7, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
2/7, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
2/7, 12:30pm: CCRPC MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting
2/7, 7:00pm: VT116-Kimball-Tilley Land Use and Transportation Plan Public Meeting # 1 (19 Gregory Dr., So. Burlington)
2/8, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting
2/9, 8:30am: CCRPC Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting
2/13, 3:00pm: CCRPC Brownfields Advisory Committee Meeting
2/14, 9:00am: Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
2/15, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting
2/23, 5:30pm: CCRPC UPWP Update Committee Meeting
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Around the County: Photo of the Month
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Click photo to enlarge.
Peter Keating, CCRPC Senior Planner, walks to work on the morning of January 24th, 2017.
Photo by Lee Krohn
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Tip: Save on Heating with these Four Steps
The average Vermont household spends about $2,000 per year on home heating. For some, it's the second-highest cost after mortgage payments or health insurance. And for a family on a tight budget, heating can claim 30% or more of monthly income. Reduce your costs by lowering your usage and shopping for the best rate on fuel.
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Volunteer with Neighbor Rides
Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont 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.
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CCRPC
Commission Representatives
Bolton: Joss Besse
Buel's Gore: Garret Mott
Burlington: Andy Montroll
Charlotte: Jim Donovan
Colchester: Marc Landry
Essex: Jeff Carr
Essex Junction: Dan Kerin
Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante
Huntington: Barbara Elliott
Jericho: Catherine McMains
Milton: Henry Bonges (Alt.)
Richmond: Bard Hill
Shelburne: John Zicconi
South Burlington: Chris Shaw
St. George: Jeff Pillsbury
Underhill: Brian Bigelow
Westford: Dave Tilton
Williston: Chris Roy,
Chair
Winooski: Michael O'Brien,
Vice Chair
For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources,
click here.
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Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Cathy Aikman, CCOA Project Director
Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner
Pam Brangan, GIS Data & IT Manager
Jason Charest, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager
Forest Cohen, Business Manager
Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner
Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner
Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager
Sam Francis-Fath, CCOA Data Manager
Christine Forde, Senior Transportation Planner
Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner
Lee Krohn, AICP, Senior Planner
Regina Mahony, Planning Program Manager
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Emily Nosse-Leirer, Planner
Sai Sarepalli, Transportation Planning Engineer
Michelle Thibault-Hatch, Finance Assistant
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
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Good afternoon,
As we head into the new year, one of the primary challenges we face is the need to address water quality. On January 15th, the State Treasurer's Office released a report on clean water funding that provided financing recommendations to continue to fund the Clean Water Fund and support clean water initiatives across Vermont. The report was completed through a collaborative effort between the Treasurer's Office, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and a number of other state agencies. The report, as well as all documentation leading up to it, is available here.
In addition, the DEC has released a draft Municipal Roads General Permit framework document, as well as accompanying documents including an implementation plan, schedule, FAQ, and timeline. This general permit is intended to achieve significant reductions in stormwater-related erosion from municipal roads, both paved and unpaved. Municipalities will implement a customized, multi-year plan to stabilize their road drainage system. The plan will include bringing road drainage systems up to basic maintenance standards, and additional corrective measures to reduce erosion as necessary to meet a TMDL or other water quality restoration effort. The draft framework and all other information can be found here.
The topic of water quality financing and implementation is complex and the implications are far-reaching. We encourage you to review the issues, challenges and recommendations made in the Treasurer's Report, as well as the information in the draft MRGP framework document, and send comments to your State Representatives, DEC, and copy me so that we are aware of your positions.
After input from CCRPC committees, the CCRPC Board plans to develop a position on the Treasurer's Report recommendations as early as our February 15th meeting, and on the draft Municipal Roads General Permit in March or April.
Best Regards,
Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC |
Public Hearing Notice for February 15: TIP Amendments
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wed., February 15, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in its offices at 110 West Canal Street, Suite 202, Winooski, to consider two proposed major amendment to the FY2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for adoption.
Learn More »
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Public Hearing Notice for March 15: CCRPC Bylaw Amendments
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wed., March 15, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in its offices at 110 West Canal Street, Suite 202, Winooski, to consider proposed amendments to the CCRPC Bylaws. Learn More »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Project Update: VT116-Kimball Avenue-Tilley Drive Land Use and Transportation Plan, South Burlington - Public Meeting on February 7
CCRPC is working with South Burlington on a Land Use and Transportation Plan for the vicinity of VT116, Kimball Avenue and Tilley Drive. This plan will evaluate existing land uses and potential transportation alternatives to address the long-term, multi-modal transportation improvements required to accommodate a potentially significant level of development within and adjacent to the project area. The Plan will also develop the framework for a Transportation Improvement District for all or a portion of the project area to help share the overall financial burden of public transportation infrastructure improvements.
The first Public Meeting for this project will take place on Tuesday, February 7th, 7:00 Pm at the South Burlington Police Department, 19 Gregory Drive, South Burlington. Learn More »
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VTrans Launches Winter Roads Portal Featuring Plow Finder App
The Vermont Agency of Transportation announced the launch of the Winter Central web portal, a new site to help drivers navigate winter conditions in Vermont. Included in the new portal is Plow Finder, a map that will show the location of all active VTrans plow trucks in near real-time. Learn More »
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APA Webinar: Bicycling Innovations for Small Towns and Rural Communities - February 10
With the release of a new publication by the Federal Highway Administration, the Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks Guide focuses on design guidelines that aim to improve bicycling and walking in communities seeking solutions more tailored to their small town needs. This webinar provides you with a first look into this idea book for smaller communities, with visualizations and guidance for contemporary walking and biking facilities. Learn More »
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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 »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
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Online Tool Aims to Get Vermonters on Path to High-Paying Jobs
The website Pathways to Promising Careers, which launched in December, asks questions that direct users to lists of professions including average salaries and descriptions of the jobs. Another click reveals the type of education or credentials needed to qualify and the Vermont schools that offer them. More clicking provides further details.
Learn More »
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'Generator' Offers Jumping-Off Point for Creative Entrepreneurs
Artists and entrepreneurs who are part of the community workspace called Generator have moved to a new home in the South End Arts District. Generator provides tools and technology and aims to be a jumping-off point for new, creative small businesses.
Learn More »
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Chittenden County Brownfields Program Accepting Applications
The Chittenden County Brownfields Program is now accepting applications! If you own or wish to develop a property that is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, please apply. To get started, read the information on different types of assistance and fill out and send us a site nomination/assistance request form.
Learn More »
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Energy & Natural Resources
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
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State Treasurer's Office Releases Water Quality Report
Pursuant to Act 64, the Office of the State Treasurer, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Taxes and other state agencies, submitted a report to the State Legislature, recommending how to fund water quality improvements in Vermont. The report can be accessed here. After input from CCRPC committees, the CCRPC Board plans to develop a position at its Feb. 15th meeting. Learn More »
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Green Thumbs at Work: Employee Garden Grants Applications Due February 10
The Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Community Garden Network, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, Gardener's Supply Company, and gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi, are offering grants for small businesses and organizations to establish workplace food gardens for their employees. Learn More »
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State Fiscal Year 2018 Municipal Pollution Control Project Priority List - Applications Due February 15
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides low interest loans to municipalities for planning, final design and construction of wastewater and stormwater system improvements that protect public health.
All projects seeking funding for construction from 10/1/2017 through 10/1/2019 must be on the adopted priority list to receive funding.
Learn More »
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Drinking Water State Revolving Fund - Priority List Applications Due February 15
The Drinking Water Project Priority List is adopted each year to identify drinking water projects qualifying for available funding through the DWSRF Program. All projects seeking funding for construction from 10/1/2017 through 10/1/2019 must be on the adopted priority list to receive funding.
Learn More »
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Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Revolving Loan Fund
The Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Revolving Loan Fund, also known as the On-site Loan Program, is available to certain Vermont residents for the repair or replacement of failed on-site wastewater and water supply systems.
Learn More »
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Tactical Basin Plans for Lamoille and Missisquoi Approved
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Vermont Clean Water Initiative Brown Bag Lectures
These lectures on the Vermont Clean Water Act and its implementation occur monthly and can be attended in person or via Skype. View the full schedule »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Burlington DRB Public Hearing on Colchester Ave. Housing Project: January 31
The Burlington Development Review Board will soon begin holding hearings to review its application to build 75 workforce apartments on Colchester Avenue directly across the street from the University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Medical Center. This project has been in the planning process for several years and recently received unanimous approval from the city's Design Advisory Board. The first Public Hearing will be held on January 31, 2017 at 5:00pm in the Fletcher Room of the Fletcher Free Library.
Learn More »
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First Public Hearing for Bolton Town Plan: February 9
The Bolton Town Plan writing process is coming to an end! Thanks to contributions and feedback from Bolton residents of all ages, the Bolton Planning Commission has been able to prioritize the goals and actions included in the Town Plan and produce a complete draft. The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on February 9 at 6pm to receive public comment on the draft.
Learn More »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Local Emergency Operations Plans Due Before May 1
It's time to update your
LEOP, have it approved by your legislative body, and submit it between Town Meeting Day and May 1, 2017. The template and format will remain the same as last year, so that can be used as the basis for this year's update. There will be an additional, optional annex related to continuity of operations planning (known as "COOP"). With or without a LEOP, this is a very useful concept to consider - how you would keep your "ship of state" running in case of incident or emergency, whether a cyberattack, server crash, severe illness among key staff, water or wastewater plant failure.
Please remember that having an updated, adopted LEOP is a prerequisite for certain State grants and funding programs. LEOPs must also be certified and signed by a Town or City Manager/Administrator or Council/Selectboard Chair; and that person must have taken either ICS 100 or 402 (you only need to take this once, not every year). ICS 100 can be taken online, and we are hosting an ICS 402 class here at CCRPC on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. Preregistration is required -
contact DPS - EMHS Training to register.
Please feel free to contact Lee Krohn, CCRPC Senior Planner, for further information, or for assistance with updating your LEOP.
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
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Chittenden County Prepares for Annual Homeless Point-in-Time Count on January 24-25
On January 24th, several community and government organizations will complete the annual Point-in-Time Count to see how many people are currently homeless in Chittenden County.
Learn More »
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The Hungry Heart Film Screening & Discussion: February 15
The Hungry Heart is an award-winning documentary film on prescription drug and opiate addiction and recovery in Vermont by local filmmaker, Bess O'Brien. Through the movie we see the many faces and diverse populations of addiction, and their continued search for a life of recovery. After the screening there will be time for dialogue and a Q&A with Bess O'Brien, a cast member, and a local treatment provider who can connect families to resources in the community. Learn More »
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Delta Dental Plan of Vermont Supports the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance
The Chittenden County Opioid Alliance and Delta Dental Plan of Vermont are announcing the investment of $150,000 over the course of the next three years to combat opioid abuse and dependency.
Learn More »
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Research Shows Parents Still #1 Influence on Teens' Decision Making
Vermont parents know it's important to have conversations with their kids about alcohol and other drug use, but starting the conversation can be hard. Watch video tips from Vermont parents on how to keep teens on the right track when it comes to alcohol and other drug use at
parentupvt.org.
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Building Bright Futures Free Playgroups
Building Bright Futures facilitates over 25 free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five. Playgroups provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. They are a great way for families to connect with others, find out about resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Learn More »
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