Workshops to Review/Comment on Draft Summary Report on Renewable Electricity Policies and Programs

December 5 | 10 AM - 12 PM - register

December 5 | 6 PM - 8 PM - register

Additional details here

Worcester Range Management Plan Public Meetings

The Agency of Natural Resources will host two public meetings in December to present a draft long-range management plan for the Worcester Range. A presentation of the draft plan and public comment opportunity will be held:

December 13, 6-8 pm, Doty Elementary School, Worcester, VT

December 19, 6-8 pm, Stowe High School, Stowe VT

Information about the draft plan and public comment opportunities available online at: https://fpr.vermont.gov/worcester-range-management-unit

Flood Recovery: Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP)

December 12, 2023 - 1:00 pm

The work to recover from disasters like the two major flood events last summer can take a long time to complete, and the funding needed to pay for it can be challenging to manage. VLCT is holding a series of monthly meetings to support the municipal officials who are dealing with this recovery.

This month we'll hear from Doug Farnham, Chief Recovery Officer, about the Municipal Technical Assistance Program. Register Here!

VECAN 2023 Annual Conference

The 2023 Annual VECAN Conference will be December 5th to 8th – virtually – from noon to 1:30 pm each day. Explore crucial topics around rebuilding and recovering from climate-induced disasters more equitably. Discover ways to access state and federal funding and programs, engage with legislators in a roundtable discussion, and participate in a peer-to-peer exchange with town energy committees. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network with experts in the field of clean energy and community engagement. More information and registration here!

Public Information Officer Training Opportunities

To register you only need to set up a state Learning Management System training account at Learning Management System | Vermont Emergency Management. **If new user - allow 2-3 days for set up of account.

Public Information Officer Basics for Locals

There’s a big fire in your small town, your department is working with mutual aid under incident command and the operation is working by the book. Then a wildcard appears: a TV news crew shows up on the scene, what now? Don’t worry; it’s easier than it may seem. Press coverage of an emergency event, controversy, or town politics could happen anytime and anywhere. Public Information Basics for Locals will guide you in preparing for press interactions on the scene, handling interviews, and proactively establishing productive relationships with local and statewide media. This course has been specifically designed by Vermont Emergency Management for local responders and government officials in Vermont. The three-hour course covers the fundamentals of press relations, effective use of social media, press release preparation, and interview dos and don't. Please note that this course is not the official FEMA Basic Public Information Officer class. However, it can help attendees decide if they wish to further their career development through the FEMA Public Information Officer curriculum.

LOCATION: Town of Barre Municipal Building, Barre, VT

DATE/TIME: December 11, 2023, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION: via State Learning Management System: 

https://vermont.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/3cf6f72f-879b-486d-a475-32251c402da3

 or

LOCATION: Williston Fire Department, Williston, VT

DATE/TIME: December 12, 2023, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION: via State Learning Management System: https://vermont.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/3cf6f72f-879b-486d-a475-32251c402da3

FEMA trainings for new forms - Elevation Certificate & Floodproofing Certificate

FEMA recently shared two links for recorded online trainings for two of their new forms – their new Elevation Certificate and Floodproofing Certificate.

New EC training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_iYHiouQMA

Floodproofing certificate training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs06JIQ3W00

Please Rebecca Pfeiffer rebecca.pfeiffer@vermont.gov or your Regional Floodplain Manager know if you have questions.

Post-flood Resources:

VTDEC Floodplain Management (for local officials)- After A Flood

Flood Ready VT – Help After Flooding

ANR Flood Recovery Resources

Town of Duxbury - Part Time Zoning Administrator

The Town of Duxbury is recruiting for a part-time (20 hours/week) Zoning Administrator to work with Duxbury residents, property owners, and officials to make sure they understand the town’s zoning regulations and application process. Please direct all inquiries and resumes to: Town of Duxbury Selectboard, 5421 VT Route 100. Duxbury, VT 05676 | Email: pzduxvt@gmail.com | Full details here

Opportunity for Public Comment - Renewable Electricity Programs & Policy

The Clean and Renewable Electricity Team of the Vermont Public Service Department has developed a monthly update to share what they are working on and how you can be involved in the ongoing review of Vermont's clean and renewable electricity programs and policies. Find full details on engagement opportunities, workshops, surveys, event summaries, and related opportunities here! Comments on current draft summary due December 20th!

RFPs & Grant Information

Recreational Trails Program now accepting pre-applications!

We are excited to announce the opening of the next round of grants through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). In 2024, FPR will award approximately $500,000, funded through the U.S. Federal Highways Administration, to help municipalities, non-profits, and other governmental entities build and maintain trails across the state. Pre-applications for the RTP grants are open through December 30, 2023. 

Join the introductory webinar about this grant program on Tuesday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Please note: the application process for 2024 RTP grants is different from previous years, based on feedback from the 2023 RTP working group. If you have a trail you want to build or maintain in the state of Vermont, be sure to check out the RTP webpage for additional information about the process.