Regional Notes | May 2022

Good afternoon,

The CCRPC is currently updating the Chittenden County Active Transportation Plan (ATP), a regional plan for existing and future bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs that will serve as the active transportation element of the long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The ATP includes recommended priority corridors, programs, and policies to support active transportation throughout the region. 

We are currently seeking input from the community: What makes walking or biking difficult? What connections are missing? What would you change right away?

You can share your feedback using an interactive online map, or simply email comments to Bryan Davis.

Walking and biking are an important part of our transportation system. They're an affordable and healthy way to get around, and good for the environment. Please lend your voice by June 24 to help inform the next Active Transportation Plan.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker

Executive Director, CCRPC

TRANSPORTATION

Corridor Plan for Route 7 Between Exits 17 & 18: Take the Survey by June 5

Do you live, work or travel along Route 7 in Milton and Georgia? VTrans would like to hear from you! They are working on a Corridor Plan for Route 7 between exit 17 in Colchester and exit 18 in Georgia and are collecting information about needs and concerns along the roadway. VTrans will then use this information to evaluate next steps and partnerships and identify practical short-term projects as well as longer term action items. Please help prioritize needs and concerns by taking this survey by Sunday, June 5. Learn More »

Chittenden County Traffic Alert Back for 2022 Season

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 (703) 955-3576 or trafficalert@ccrpcvt.org.

Webinar: Policymakers and Local Decision-Makers: Creating Safe and Livable Communities: June 29, 12pm

Supporting an aging population includes creating communities that are safe and walkable, with age-friendly transportation and housing options where older people can easily get to grocery stores, doctor's appointments, other essential services, and fun community activities. In this webinar, you will learn how to advocate for and build more livable communities for all ages; what is a dementia-friendly community and how you can create supportive options; and much more. Learn More & Register »

Save the Date: CATMA Inaugural Transportation Summit: October 18

This one-day event will include various sessions and keynote speakers focused on transportation in and around Chittenden County. This will be an opportunity for businesses, policy makers, transportation providers and community members to re-connect, re-engage and work "across the aisle" to re-imagine transportation demand management strategies in today's environment. Learn more about the event and sponsor prospectus here.

Transportation Projects & Updates

For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee webpage; a full project list is included in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly.

ECONOMY

Vermont Internship Grant Program Application is Open

The Vermont Department of Labor (DOL) has opened the Vermont Internship Program for applications. DOL will award grants of up to $50,000 to organizations who support or connect Vermont employers with student interns from regional career technical education centers or postsecondary educational institutions. Applications are due by 4pm on June 9, and an informational webinar is scheduled for June 2. Learn More »

VT Dept. of Economic Development: Workforce Shortage? Hire Youth This Summer

Governor Phil Scott's Afterschool Task Force, which is working to create more afterschool and summer programming for Vermont kids, recently launched a new website and survey for Vermont employers offering seasonal or year-round employment opportunities for youth. Learn More »

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Summer Workshops at CSWD

Chittenden Solid Waste District is hosting a variety of workshops this summer. Backyard Composting workshops, public tours of the Recycling Center, and more are already underway. Learn more, access the calendar, and register »

Vermont State Parks Open for the Season

Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to summer, and that means Vermont State Parks are open for the season. Learn More »

Climate Change and Land Use Guide Available

This guide is intended to provide municipalities with guidance on how to amend land use regulations to limit low density sprawl, enable compact walkable neighborhoods, and protect the working and natural landscape to ensure climate change resilience. Learn More »

How to Combat the Spongy Moth Caterpillar

The spongy moth caterpillar invasion is happening again this year, because the naturally occurring fungus that has controlled them for years wasn't able to eradicate them, due to an overly dry spring. VPR held a Q&A session and has provided tips for eradicating them from your trees and bushes. Learn More »

Clean Water Lecture Series: Building Vermont's Clean Water Service Provider Network to Reduce Phosphorus Pollution - June 30, 12pm

Starting this summer in Vermont, a piece of landmark legislation will completely revamp how clean water funding is delivered on the ground. Vermont's Clean Water Service Provider Act establishes a long-term clean water funding source to support pollution reduction. Simultaneously, the Act establishes a decentralized network of Clean Water Service Providers who will administer Water Quality Restoration Formula Grant funds to support project implementers at the basin level. Join members of the DEC to learn about this new program and the many stakeholders/partners involved. Learn More »

Winooski Completes Largest Net-Metered Solar Energy Project Possible in Vermont

Winooski Schools have completed the maximum net-metering solar system allowable in Vermont, making its project the largest in the state. The new array will cover roughly $115,000 of the school's energy costs annually. Learn More »

QUALITY OF PLACE

Save the Date: Vermont Community Leadership Summit, August 10

Save the date for the third Vermont Community Leadership Summit, where leaders will come back together to renew, connect, and continue to lead positive progress in Vermont.

Tax Credits Combine with Pandemic Relief Funds to Support Affordable Vermont Apartments

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency's (VHFA) annual award of federal housing tax credits will support the construction of 109 permanently affordable apartments in four communities across the state. Learn More »

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

$4.23M in Grants Announced for Afterschool and Summer Programs

Governor Phil Scott and Senator Bernie Sanders, in partnership with Vermont Afterschool, announced the recipients of the Afterschool & Summer Expanding Access Grant program for the summers of 2022 and 2023 and the 22-23 school year. A total of $4.23M was awarded to 39 programs from 11 counties, including a number of Chittenden County programs. Learn More »