Although it appears our area may have been spared the worst of this storm, we know there are portions of our region with some significant impacts. NRPC staff have been supporting our communities as they respond to the storm and prepare for potential future impacts. Additionally, NRPC is assisting with the statewide response efforts. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to assist you or your towns.

NRPC staff have been in regular communications with all our towns to offer support and to get damage reports to the State Emergency Operations Center. These contacts will continue in the coming days as directed by Vermont Emergency Management. Following that we will transition to assisting communities in recovery efforts and in engaging with FEMA. 

Storm response information has been added to the NRPC website and will be updated with resources and information regularly.

Some Key Points:

• People, organizations and municipalities should document damage before any repairs through photos. Keep copies of all invoices and receipts, and report damage promptly.
• Municipalities can report damages to the state through NRPC. We will reach out to you, but if you do not hear from us, please contact our office (802-524-5958). We will relay information to the state.
• NRPC works closely with the Vermont Agency of Transportation district offices to assist towns regarding transportation infrastructure. You may call them directly, or we will relay your information to them.
• Vermont Agency of Transportation maintains an updated map of state road closures for this prolonged event.
• Any recovery work in or next to streams needs to be coordinated with your respective river engineer and you can find their regular and emergency permitting here. 
• The Vermont League of Cities and Towns has released a flyer on the current flood response and a series of helpful links and tips for towns.
• The Vermont Municipal Flood Guide was created to assist all types of Vermont town officials, boards, staff, volunteers and others, with considerations and resources related to flooding disasters.
• Floods create a variety of safety hazards. The Vermont Department of Health has a wealth of information on flood safety.
• Individuals with flooding issues should contact their municipal emergency services office. People can always call 2-1-1 for the latest information.
• And never drive through flood waters – Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

The Montgomery Planning Commission kicked off their town plan update with a community outreach event at the recreation pavilion. Residents were asked to identify areas that should be maintained, evolve or transformed in Montgomery. More than 30 residents attended and provided feedback on a range of topics including natural areas, transportation and housing. The event was the official kick-off to an eight-month comprehensive re-write of the Town Plan. The project is funded by a Municipal Planning Grant and NRPC is serving as the consultant for the project. For more information, check out the project website.

For a couple of years, Healthy Roots Collaborative has been exploring cold storage options to support our gleaning program. In the past, the program has relied on pallet space in coolers at farms we work with, but having our own, centrally located space was always desired. Our dreams became a reality recently with the purchase of a refrigerated box trailer, which was made possible through an EDA Disaster Resilience Grant. The trailer will be parked at the NRPC office most of the time, about the most centrally located spot for food access work in our region. The trailer will allow us to quickly cool down highly perishable gleaned crops like lettuce and sweet corn and will serve as a meeting spot for volunteers bringing that produce to food shelves the following day. The trailer will also support our two food box programs - the Northwest Farmacy CSA and the Migrant Household Food Boxes. We have grants to purchase produce from local farms for these programs and maintaining the cold chain is important. To tow the refrigerated trailer, we have ordered a new hybrid pickup truck, also as a part of the EDA Disaster Resilience Grant. We are excited for that to arrive later this summer. One of the biggest benefits we see right off the bat will be on the long, hot days when our gleaning coordinator schedules two or three gleans in one day. The trailer can be plugged into the truck, keeping it cool for those long gleaning and delivery days. As you can see this big, square marshmallow on wheels could use some beautiful artwork. We’d love to hear ideas from the community!

Solar for All Grants

Vermont's congressional delegation, along with the head of the U.S. EPA, launched a $7 billion grant program this week that is meant to increase access to affordable solar energy. Solar for All aims to help with two issues: transitioning away from fossil fuels and ensuring working families can afford solar energy. States, tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible non-profits can apply for the grants by September 26, 2023.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Celebration and Governor's

End to End Ride is Postponed Until Further Notice

Due to the historic flooding Vermont is currently experiencing and the continued recovery efforts that will be required in the weeks and months ahead, the decision has been made to postpone the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Celebration, including the Governor’s end to end ride of the trail, previously scheduled for Saturday, July 15. The LVRT Celebration will be rescheduled, and we will announce a new date at the appropriate time. 

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has announced their 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: Strengthening Skills, Capacity, and Opportunity for the Future! The event will take place on Tuesday, August 15 at Vermont Technical College in Randolph.

Nothing gets done in Vermont communities without the people who put themselves on the line for their town and for the issues they care about. Join VCRD in Randolph on August 15th to connect with over 500 community builders from across the state along with people from the non-profit, business, and government sectors, and more. The summit is an opportunity to gain new skills, meet like-minded individuals, share success stories, and explore big ideas for the future of Vermont. All people who care about their community and the future of our state are encouraged to attend.