Reminder - Due November 7th - VCRD Climate Economy Resilient Communities

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the call for Climate Economy Resilient Communities participants for 2023. Community leaders and volunteers submit a simple online application by November 7 to be considered. VCRD’s Climate Economy Resilient Communities (formerly known as Climate Economy Model Communities) will support three to five communities per year that are working on local climate action solutions. The change reflects new opportunities to work within more communities and for each to self-identify the area of support needed to move projects forward. Through this program, VCRD will provide assistance to communities to make strong forward movements toward a community engagement process, communication outreach planning, strategic planning, technical assistance, and/or project implementation. 

Selected participants for the Resilient Communities program will receive targeted support through direct partnership with a community committee, organization, or leader working on local climate action solutions through VCRD. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, Town Energy Committees, Energy Coordinators, other municipal leadership, or Climate Catalysts leading in their community. All projects must have a place-based community as their focus (an individual or group of town(s), village(s), or other municipal entity). Contact Sam Lash for additional assistance at lash@cvregion.com  Learn More & Apply Today →

Request for Bids - Architectural Review & Design

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) is requesting proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide architectural review and design. The architectural review and design will focus on the expansion and renovation plans of a food co-operative operating in a historic building. Full RFP Information Here. Bids due by November 27th.

Request for Proposals - Barre Auditorium Stormwater Final Design

This request was first issued on May 13, 2022, however, a contract was not awarded at that time. CVRPC is reissuing the RFP. The only changes to the content of the RFP are the proposal submission dates and anticipated contract start date.

CVRPC and the City of Barre (collectively referred to as the Project Partners) invite qualified firms to submit a Scope of Work and Cost Proposal to complete a final design for stormwater mitigation at the Barre City Auditorium located at 20 & 25 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641 (the Project Site). 

Inquiries regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) may be directed to Brian Voigt, Senior Planner, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission via email at voigt@cvregion.com. Please submit questions pertaining to this RFP to Brian Voigt in writing at voigt@cvregion.com by November 17, 2022 at 3:00 PM. Answers to questions received by the deadline will be compiled into a single document and attached to the bid advertisement on the Vermont Bid Registry and posted to the CVRPC website on or before November 18, 2022.  Proposals due November 30, 2022 @ 4:00 pm. Full RFP here

Bonus round of funding for the Downtown and Village Center tax credit program

In January 2023, a bonus round of $800,000 in state income tax credits will be competitively available to projects that enhance the historic character and improve building safety of older and historic commercial and community buildings in these designated communities. The credits support general rehabilitation work, code compliance work, façade improvements, and flood mitigation projects, and may be combined with the federal program.

Applications for the next round of tax credits are due Monday, January 16, 2023 and must be 

submitted electronically to: accd.DowntownVillageCenterTaxCreditProgram@vermont.gov

 Program Guidelines and Application

There is also a pre-recorded webinar available on the ACCD website which covers program basics, the scoring criteria, and how to compile a strong application for those looking for a competitive edge.

SFY 2023 VTrans Transportation Alternatives Program

VTrans is now accepting applications for the Transportation Alternatives Program. This year, Transportation Alternatives Program funding is available for all eligible activities as described in the Vermont Transportation Alternatives Fall 2022 Application Guide per the link below. 50% of grant program funds are reserved for environmental mitigation projects relating to stormwater and highways, including eligible salt and sand shed projects.

TAP Link:  http://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/local-projects/transport-alt

Applications are due by e-mail by December 14, 2022. Contact Scott.Robertson@vermont.gov for more information. 

Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance Program

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has developed the Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance Program, which provides technical assistance and incentive funding for projects that reduce emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and nonroad equipment.   $294,000 is currently available in the 2022 Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance Program.** 

Funding is available for:

·       Replacement of diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles, engines, and nonroad equipment with ⚡electric⚡ (battery, grid, or fuel cell), alternative fuel, or newer diesel options,

·       Retrofitting with emission control technologies,

·       Engine replacements,

·       Clean alternative fuel conversions,

·       Installation of idle reduction technologies,

·       Aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires, and

·       Electrified parking spaces for ❄transport refrigeration units❄ and truck stop electrification projects.

Eligibility requirements apply; please refer to the Request for Proposals document available online at http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=57137 for more guidance.