REGIONAL NOTES
June 2017
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

All events held at the CCRPC unless otherwise noted. 



JULY

7/5, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

7/5, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

7/5, 12:30pm: CCRPC MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

7/5, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

7/11, 9:00am: CCRPC Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

7/12, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee Meeting

7/19, 6:00am: CCRPC Board Meeting

 
 
Around the County: Photo of the Month
Click photo to enlarge.
 
New housing under construction in Burlington   
 
Photo by Lee Krohn 
 
 
Chittenden County Traffic Alert Program

Construction season is here! Sign up for the CCRPC's Chittenden County Traffic Alert to stay in the know about all the latest construction projects, possible delays, and other important alerts throughout the busy construction season.

 

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.

 
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.
 
CCRPC  Staff

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

Tori Houston, CCOA Communications/Admin Coordinator

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

For bios and contact information, click here.
 
On July 21 the CCRPC held its Annual Meeting to celebrate the closing of another fiscal year and begin looking forward to new projects for the coming year. Our elected officers are:

Chair: Chris Roy (Williston)
Vice-Chair: Mike O'Brien (Winooski)
Secretary-Treasurer: Brian Bigelow (Underhill)
At-Large for Towns over 5,000: John Zicconi (Shelburne)
At-Large for Towns under 5,000: Barbara Elliott (Huntington)
Immediate Past Chair: Andy Montroll (Burlington) 

We're grateful for the commitment of these organizational leaders in taking on more responsibilities and guiding us in a positive, thoughtful, inclusive and respectful way. We also extend our appreciation to all Board members for representing their communities and organizations as we work to implement our ECOS Plan.
 
The Annual Meeting also featured a presentation by guest speaker Julie Moore, Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, who shared the upcoming priorities for water quality, recreation and the economy, and more (photo below).

Best Regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC

 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Municipal Roads Grants-in-Aid Pilot Project: Sign up by July 5 
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has created the new Municipal Roads Grants-In-Aid Pilot Project to provide funding for municipalities to implement best management practices (BMPs) on municipal roads ahead of the forthcoming DEC Municipal Roads General Permit  (MRGP). DEC's Clean Water Initiative Program is offering approximately $2.1 million to support this pilot project. This funding is to implement BMPs on hydrologically connected road segments that currently do not meet standards. Each municipality's funding award depends on the number of hydrologically connected roads and the total number of municipalities participating in this program. The CCRPC continues to invite municipalities to participate in this pilot project, and municipalities must sign up by July 5, 2017. Contact Chris Dubin for more information.
VTrans Bike/Ped Grant Program: Applications Due July 14
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has issued its annual solicitation for new bicycle and pedestrian projects. The intent of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is to improve access and safety for bicyclists and/or pedestrians through the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects. Typical projects include sidewalks, shared use paths, crossing improvements and bike lanes. Last year nearly $4 million in projects throughout the state were initiated under this grant program. For a copy of the VTrans 2017 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Guide and Application and other supporting materials, visit the VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian program website. Applications must be received by 1PM, Friday July 14, 2017.
2017 Way to Go! School Challenge
New for 2017, Way to Go! will become a K-12 School Challenge! The Way to Go! School Challenge is a fun and easy way for schools to battle carbon pollution by encouraging students, staff and faculty to use efficient transportation. Simply walk, bike, roll, carpool, or take the bus anytime during the two-week Challenge September 25 - October 6. Check out this fun video to get inspired. Sign up by July 4 and you'll be entered in a drawing for a $100 Cash Gift Card! Registration is open at www.WayToGoVT.org.
Stay Informed During Road Construction Season
The 2017 road construction season is well underway and a number of projects will involve short-term road closures to save money, reduce overall construction duration, and avoid potential environmental impacts. The following projects will be constructed this year and will involve short-term road closures:
  • VT116 Potash Brook Culvert, South Burlington: VT116 between Kennedy Drive and Hinesburg Road will be closed for culvert replacement beginning in late June and ending by September 1.
  • Bridge 8 (between Moody Road and Carse Road) on Main Road, Huntington: Main Road will be closed for 50 days beginning on June 29. Due to weight restrictions on adjacent bridges, though trucks must use alternate routes -- VT116 or VT100. Variable message signs will be place at key decision points.
  • US2 Bridge over Snipe Island Brook, Richmond: US2 in Richmond will be closed between July 21 - August 18. Through traffic will be directed to I-89.
  • US7/VT2A/VT127 Intersections, Colchester: Grade modifications to US7 will require traffic to be rerouted between VT127 and VT2A. US7 will be closed for 7 weeks beginning on June 19.
Click here to get information on these and other construction projects, and sign up to receive a weekly Traffic Alert email.    
Operation Safety Corridor: I-89 Exits 12 to 17
VTrans is establishing interstate Safety Corridors throughout Vermont where a combination of high traffic volume, high speeds and a high rate of crashes demands an increased level of enforcement. These areas are where Vermont drivers are most at risk. In our region, the Safety Corridor includes I-89 exits 12 to 17. The focus is to reduce speeding, distracted, aggressive and impaired driving, and to increase seat belt use. The hope is to reduce the number of crashes and tickets issued through increased police presence. Operation Safety Corridor will include the efforts of the Vermont State Police, Department of Motor Vehicles, and local law enforcement agencies. Learn more here or contact   Bruce Nyquist, Director of the Office of Highway Safety.
Free Bike Racks for Circ Communities
Thanks to a special, one-time funding source, Local Motion is offering free bike racks to businesses, schools, and other organizations in Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, and Williston. They have approximately 75 Dero Hoop Racks to extend to the community (2 max/organization). Each rack is constructed of thick metal pipes and provides high security parking for two bikes. What's the catch? In order to receive racks, you'll work with Local Motion to offer two or more FREE bike skills workshops through your organization. They'll deliver the racks in summer 2017 and hold the workshops around your schedule. For more information contact Local Motion.
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
Chittenden County Brownfields Program 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 »
USDA Grant Opportunities: Applications Due July 25  
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites grant applications for projects supporting economic and community development in rural areas. Grant funding is available to non-profits and public bodies through two programs: the Rural Community Development Initiative Program and the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program.

The Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program grants help entities strengthen the rural economy. Qualified intermediary organizations receiving RCDI grants provide technical assistance and training to help nonprofit organizations and communities develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facilities or economic development projects. Applicants must have capacity-building experience for these types of projects and must provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000. For more information, see the Notice of Funding Availability.

The Communities Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant program helps rural communities pursuing large projects develop applications for USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program. The grant provides up to $150,000 of support to entities to hire specialized personnel, pay for feasibility studies, and retain consultants to prepare financial assistance applications and identify and plan for long-term community needs. Application information can be found in the Notice of Solicitation of Applications published in the Federal Register.

Applications for both programs must be received by July 25, 2017. For more information contact Eric Law, Vermont and New Hampshire Community Program Specialist, at (802) 828-6033 or eric.law@vt.usda.gov. 
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
Clean Water Funding, Ecosystem Restoration Grants: Applications Due July 6
The Clean Water Initiative Program recently released three Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for clean water funding, including Ecosystem Restoration Grants. Details are posted on the Clean Water Initiative Grants webpage.
Ecosystem Restoration Grants support the design and construction of water pollution abatement and control projects that target nonpoint sources of pollution. See the DEC Watershed Projects Database for possible projects. All other projects included in applications must be added to the database prior to the application deadline. Proposed projects must be discussed with your regional Basin Planner. A detailed application manual is available online and provides step-by-step instructions to apply for funding. Applications are due July 6.  
Fiscal Year 2018 Grant Opportunities for Municipalities
There are a variety of funding sources available for municipalities during fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018). This funding can be used for planning and construction projects related to water quality. This resource sheet provides information on what kinds of projects are eligible for each program, how much money is available, when applications are due and who to contact with more questions.  
Rethink Runoff Campaign Launched
Nine Chittenden County municipalities and three other entities launched Rethink Runoff, a new multi-year public education and participation campaign focused on reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff. The campaign, with technical assistance from the CCRPC, is a combined effort of Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Milton, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski, plus Burlington International Airport, the University of Vermont and VTrans. RethinkRunoff.org, the campaign's website, combines these efforts into a one-stop shop by providing data, educational resources, tutorials and engagement opportunities that teach residents about the effects of stormwater and the steps residents can take to help keep Lake Champlain clean. For more information, please visit RethinkRunoff.org or contact Dan Albrecht, CCRPC Senior Planner, dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org.
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Program: Applications Due June 30 
Vermont's Downtown and Village Center tax credit program is one of the primary benefits of Downtown and Village Center designation, and supports revitalization seen in community centers across the state. In 2017, $2.2 million in state income tax credits are available to projects that enhance the historic character and improve building safety of older and historic commercial buildings in these designated communities. The credits support general rehabilitation work, code compliance work, data and network wiring, and exterior improvements, and may be combined with the federal program.
Applications are due June 30, 2017 and the Vermont Downtown Board will make is allocation decisions when it meets on July 24, 2017The application is available here and can be submitted electronically to caitlin.corkins@vermont.gov.

AARP Community Challenge Grant: Applications Due July 15
The  AARP Community Challenge program will fund projects to make communities livable for people of all ages. Projects can range from short-term activities costing a few hundred dollars to sizable efforts that might need thousands. Click here to apply by July 15. Proposed projects must be completed no later than November 1, 2017. Watch a 30 second video about the AARP Community Challenge or click here to learn more.
Municipal Planning Grants: Applications Due October 2
Up to $20,000 will be awarded to eligible municipalities chosen through a competitive selection process. See the FY18 MPG Program Description for details on eligibility, funding and the competitive criteria. Grant applications are due Monday, October 2, 2017 and grants will be awarded by mid-December.

A wide range of municipal planning activities are eligible for funding but projects that fit into one of the statewide priorities will have a higher likelihood of receiving grant funds. For FY18, the statewide priorities will focus on plans, bylaws and studies for villages, downtowns, and walkable neighborhoods with an emphasis on housing, and on correcting conflicts and inconsistencies in plans and bylaws.

All applications must be submitted through the online grants management system. Applications can be developed off-line first using the Application Instructions and resources available on the Applicant Guidance page.

If you are new to MPGs or need a refresher, sign up for a GoToWebinar training on using the system and preparing a competitive MPG application on Tuesday, August 8 from 12-12:45 p.m. Contact DHCD staff here for more information and to register. Space is limited.
 
Save the Date: State Municipal Day, September 15
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, will be hosting State Municipal Day on September 15, 2017. This all-day event, designed for municipal officials and staff, will offer workshops, technical assistance, and the opportunity to engage with State staff and municipal colleagues from across Vermont. Registration will open in late June when more information and the full agenda will be available on the ANR website  
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
New 'Red Tag' Rule for Aboveground Storage Tanks
On June 8 the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources filed a new rule for aboveground storage tanks that will require inspectors to affix red tags on heating oil tanks that are at imminent risk of a fuel spill. Fuel distributors are not allowed to deliver fuel to a red-tagged tank until the tank has been repaired or replaced. Homeowners will have until July 31, 2020 to schedule their first inspection and after the first inspection must have their tanks inspected once every three years. Learn More »    
Vermonters Prepare for Tick Season
Experts are warning that ticks may flourish this summer and Vermonters should take precautions when heading outdoors. While ticks can transmit illnesses including Lyme disease and the Powassan virus, there are ways to be tick smart when heading into the woods. There are resources to help you prevent tick bites, what to do if you get bitten, and how to keep your pets safe. Read this Burlington Free Press article to learn more about why this may be a bad tick season.
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
2020 Census Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA)
LUCA is the only opportunity offered to state and local governments to review and comment on the U.S. Census Bureau's residential address list for their jurisdiction prior to the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau relies on a complete and accurate address list to reach every living quarters and associated population for inclusion in the census. The Census Bureau wants your participation to help ensure an accurate decennial census count in your community.

In July, an invitation letter and registration forms will be mailed to the highest elected official in all eligible governments. This registration form must be completed and returned to the Census Bureau to participate in the LUCA process. CCRPC cannot participate unless a municipality requests our assistance. CCRPC could offer assistance in reviewing the address data in a GIS format as well as helping to compile local sources of address data.

For more information about LUCA, call 1-844-344-0169, e-mail geo.2020.luca@census.gov, or visit the Census website. If you'd like CCRPC's assistance please contact Pam Brangan.
 
CCOA Hires New Staff
The Chittenden County Opioid Alliance (CCOA) welcomes Tori Houston as the CCOA's new Communications and Administrative Coordinator (part-time) as well as the GE Healthy Cities Working Recovery Project Coordinator. She comes with a wealth of marketing and project management experience and will be a great asset to our team. Learn more about the CCOA »
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner: bdavis@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *17.