Weekly News Roundup

March 24, 2023

Upcoming Events

Municipal Solar Workshop Part II: Project Development (Siting, Sizing, and more!)

March 28th | 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Hosted by energy planners from Addison County and Central Vermont Regional Planning Commissions, this workshop series is intended to support municipalities interested in municipal solar projects.

In Part II we will work through some available resources, including the recently released Act 174 Energy Mapping Products, focusing on siting and sizing municipal projects. We will touch on best practices including pairing with storage, dual land use, and more; focused on examples brought by participants. Register Here>>

The Benefits and Business of Thermal Energy Networks

April 4th @ Noon

Geothermal and other kinds of thermal networks can help to balance electric loads and complement other

clean energy solutions. National leaders will share what “good business” means for thermal networks, how to leverage IRA incentives to accelerate implementation, and the kinds of businesses needed to help Vermont take advantage of these systems.

More info & registration here

Vermont Capital Planning Forum

April 13, 2023 | 9 am - 4 pm | Alumni Hall, Barre VT

A free event for governmental units of all sizes and associated professionals to explore Vermont specific best practices in capital planning. Space is limited. Register here.

Sponsored by Vermont Bond Bank - Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Finance Agency

Tier 2 Rivers and Roads Workshops

The very popular Tier 2 Rivers and Roads workshops are coming up! The VT DEC Rivers Program, VT Fish & Wildlife, and VT Transportation Agency team up to provide training for all municipal staff, state staff, construction contractors, engineers, consultants, regional planning commission staff, conservation districts, and others working with communities on river and road related issues.

Participants are indoors and out in the field for hands-on training!

The workshop is 2 days long from 8:30am - 4:00pm, and will be offered May 17 & 18, 2023 OR October 11 & 12, 2023.

Both trainings are located at 1716 Route 302, Berlin. Registration for this fun and informative training is available here: https://anronline.vermont.gov/app/?allowAnonymous=true...

Community News

Clean Water Advisory Committee Municipal Member Solicitation

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is seeking municipal nominations for its Clean Water Advisory Committee (CWAC). The CWAC helps guide CVRPC’s water quality program in accordance with CVRPC plans, policies, and procedures; acts as a liaison between local communities and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR); and provides input regarding water quality issues important to the region.

We encourage you to share this application with municipal boards, committees, staff, and volunteers.

CVRPC is seeking municipal representatives to serve on the CWAC who can provide the following expertise:

· Knowledgeable about municipal compliance with Vermont and Federal clean water policy.

· Knowledgeable about one or more clean water topics.

· Interest in participating in ANR’s planning process for the Winooski River Basin.

The CWAC meets bi-monthly on the second Thursday of the month (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov) from 4-6 pm at the CVRPC office in Montpelier. CWAC members may participate in-person or via remote meeting technology. CWAC membership includes three (3) representatives from CVRPC’s Board of Commissioners, five (5) municipal representatives, and (1) representative of a private company or interested stakeholder.

Interested individuals should complete the attached application form and submit it via email at cvrpc@cvregion.com or via mail to 29 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpelier VT 05602) to arrive by April 10, 2023. The application is available on our website, https://centralvtplanning.org/. Questions can be directed to Brian Voigt, Senior Natural Resources Planner, at voigt@cvregion.com or 802-229-0389.

RFPs, Grant Information, Applications, and Deadlines

Vermont Equity & Justice Grant Program

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is very pleased to announce the opening of our 2023 Vermont Equity & Justice Grant program with an allocation of $300,000. Beginning this summer, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation will offer competitive grants of up to $20,000 to Vermont-based, non-profit organizations working to address racial, economic, social and environmental disparities in the state. Organizations must have total annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Grant decisions are made by a team of Ben & Jerry's employees from each of our three Vermont office and manufacturing sites. Grants up to $20,000 Deadline: May 1, 2023 - More Information Here>> Contact: Becca Golden, becca.golden@benjerry.com

Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) 2023 Catalyst Program

The Catalyst grant program is now open, making $11 million available in Vermont for transportation, telecommunications, energy, and basic public infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure projects such as business/workforce development, health care, tourism, recreation, and conservation. Four info sessions are scheduled for applicants starting March 30. Register and find program details at https://bit.ly/3LLno2

Upcoming Meetings

In addition to a physical location, CVRPC will provide a video or call in option for all meetings (see agendas on our website for details).

March

Mar 28 6:30 pm Transportation Advisory Committee

Mar 29 6 pm Planning & Zoning Roundtable - Fundamentals of Land Use Planning & Regulations

Mar 30 4 pm Nominating Committee

April

Apr 3 4 pm Executive Committee

Apr 4 4 pm Regional Plan Committee

Apr 11 6:30 pm Board of Commissioners

Apr 20 1 pm Winooski Basin Water Quality Council

Apr 25 6:30 pm Transportation Advisory Committee

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