NRPC Awarded Funding for Private Roads Erosion Inventory Program

The Northwest Regional Planning Commission has been awarded a contract for up to $400,000 from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to administer the Private Roads Erosion Inventory (REI) Program! The award follows NRPC's submission of a proposal in response to the DEC's RFP, "Implementing Methods to Map, Inventory, and Prioritize Non-Municipal Road Improvements in Vermont."

This exciting initiative aims to address the significant contribution of private, non-regulated roads to pollution in the Lake Champlain Basin. NRPC will leverage its extensive experience managing similar projects, including the recent Lake Carmi Private and Park Roads project.

Northern Vermont Economic Development District Receives Grant

The Northern Vermont Economic Development District (NVEDD) is pleased to announce that it has received a $518,622 grant from the United States Economic Development Administration. The NVEDD is a federally recognized 6-county Economic Development District and includes the Northeast Kingdom and Lamoille, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Funding will be provided through the NVEDD to Regional Planning Commissions and Regional Development organizations in the region.

The grant is a cooperative undertaking among the regional planning commissions and regional development organizations. The Northwest Regional Planning Commission will administer the grant on behalf of NVEDD.

NRPC Brownfields Program has

Assessment and Cleanup Funds

Are you interested in purchasing or redeveloping property that may have a history of commercial and/or industrial use? Northwest Regional Planning Commission’s Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Funding Program may be able to help you move forward with your project.

Environmental site assessments, including Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments, help current and prospective property owners better understand site conditions ahead of redevelopment or reuse. Site assessments are often required by lenders and to meet liability exemptions under federal law, which enables access to federal cleanup funding. Site assessments clear up unknowns about potential contamination, verifying its extent, how it can be addressed, and cost impacts. Our funds also cover technical assistance about liability issues, cleanup options, and financing available for cleanup.

NRPC’s Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund can provide loans with flexible rates and terms to remediate environmental contamination in conjunction with reuse or redevelopment of a property. Municipalities and non-profits are eligible for limited grant funding. There is no cost-share requirement. Examples might include contaminated soil capping or removal, groundwater monitoring or hazardous building materials abatement.

If you are interested in learning more about our program, please contact Greta Brunswick by email or (802) 524-5958, ex. 116. You can also find more information here.



VT Route 78 Temporarily Closing

VT Route 78 will be temporarily closed, for 24 hours, to allow for a rail crossing reconstruction on the west side of the Missisquoi Bay Bridge. The closure will begin at 12:00am on Sunday, September 29, 2024 and end at approximately 11:59pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024. All necessary traffic should utilize the posted detour via US Route 2 and Interstate 89; no local detour is available. 

Three Regional Land Port of Entry (LPOE)

Locations to be Updated

Highgate Springs

The current project will design and build a new LPOE to replace the existing 27-year-old facility. The existing facility is not large enough to handle an expected 30% increase in traffic when the construction of Canada Autoroute A-35 is completed.

For more information on this Highgate Springs LPOE click here.

Richford

The project will modernize the LPOE to meet current program requirements for Custom and Border Protections agency missions. The project will help improve traffic flow, enhance security, and facilitate trade and travel in the region. Scoping related comments are being collected for the Richford LPOE until October 5, 2024. Emailed comments may be submitted to Richford.LPOE@gsa.gov.

For more information on this Richford LPOE click here.

Alburg Springs

The project will fully renovate the interior of the historic building to help meet the mission of the Custom and Border Protection Agency. The project will enhance safety and efficiency. Public Scoping meeting is anticipated for Spring 2025.

For more information on this Alburg Springs LPOE click here.

Act 250 Temporary Exemptions: Act 181

During the 2024 legislative session, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 181 (H.687). The law includes many provisions intended to support housing development, including exemptions to Act 250.

Act 250 is the Vermont’s land use and development law. The Act 250 permitting process is required for projects that meet certain requirements, including construction of 10 or more housing units in towns with zoning regulations.

Act 181 includes provisions to allow for temporary exemptions to Act 250 for some housing projects. Projects that are exempt from Act 250 will still require a local zoning permit and may require other state permits. Temporary exemptions apply only in communities that have both zoning and subdivision regulations.

September is National Preparedness Month

Everyone is encouraged to take steps to ensure their safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters and emergencies. Limited access to resources, isolation during storms, and the potential for power outages can amplify the impact of disasters. National Preparedness Month serves as a crucial reminder that being prepared is a community effort.

Key Preparedness Strategies for Individuals and Families:

1. Create an Emergency Kit: Ensure your family has an emergency kit that includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Consider the specific needs of your family members, including pets.
2. Develop a Communication Plan: In rural areas, communication can be challenging during emergencies. Establish a family communication plan that includes how you will connect with each other if separated. Share contact information and meeting places in case of an evacuation.
3. Know Your Risks: Understand the types of emergencies that are most likely to affect your community, such as flooding, winter storms, or wildfires. Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and resources.
4. Stay Informed: Subscribe to VT-ALERT and follow weather updates. Being aware of changing conditions will help you make informed decisions and take action quickly if needed.
5. Consider Special Needs: If you or a loved one have special medical needs, make arrangements in advance. Identify accessible transportation options and local resources that can assist during emergencies.



For more preparedness information, please visit Ready.gov and Vermont Emergency Management.

Navigating the Waters:

Understanding Vermont's Three-Acre Permit

The Northwest Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce it will be hosting an information session on the Vermont "Three-Acre Permit" and its implications for property owners.

The information session will take place on September 30, 2024, starting at 7pm, at the St. Albans Town Office, which is located at 398 Georgia Shore Rd, St. Albans Bay. 

The Three-Acre Permit is an important component of Vermont’s efforts to improve water quality in the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams. However, for some, it also is the source of concern and confusion.

Attendees will learn what is needed to navigate the permitting process. The session will also provide a platform for dialogue and expert insights on the permit’s requirements and how they impact you.

Who Should Attend?

Property owners, business owners, developers, and anyone interested in learning more about Vermont's stormwater regulations.

What to Expect?

Expert Panel: Featuring representatives from the DEC, licensed engineers, and others.

Presentations: Learn about the history and purpose of the permit, the application process, and compliance requirements.

Open Q&A: Get answers to questions.

Resource Materials: Learn how to access resources to help you understand and comply with the Permit.

To learn more, contact Dean Pierce.

Municipal Vulnerability Indicators Tool

The Municipal Vulnerability Indicators Tool (MVI) was developed by the Agency of Natural Resources in partnership with the Vermont Climate Council to support planning and decision-making about climate change action. This mapping tool includes data across a wide variety of domains including social, community, economic, physical environment, infrastructure, natural environment, and hazards. Communities can identify roads, bridges, and culverts at risk of flood damage, past landslide locations, and other data to make hazard mitigation planning accurate and successful. The tool also identifies high percentages of populations vulnerable to hazards such as outdoor workers, people without vehicles or without internet, elderly people, and more. NRPC’s Energy and Climate Planner, Marlena Valenta, is available to help municipalities or other groups use the tool or answer questions.



Opportunity to Serve on the Basin Water Quality Council for the Missisquoi Bay Watershed

Are you passionate about improving water quality in the Missisquoi Bay Watershed? Here’s your chance to make a difference! NRPC’s Clean Water Service Provider for the Missisquoi Bay Basin is seeking dedicated individuals to fill key positions and help guide efforts to protect and enhance the health of our local waterways.

Current/Anticipated Vacancies:

• Representative of the Regional Planning Commission Sector
• Alternate Representative of the Municipal Sector
• Two Alternate Representatives of the Regional Planning Commission Sector

The Basin Water Quality Council plays a vital role in developing and implementing strategies to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the watershed. As a member, you will work with a diverse group of stakeholders, including local officials, community members, and environmental experts, to prioritize projects, allocate funding, and monitor progress.

Why Get Involved? Serving on the council is a unique opportunity to influence water quality initiatives and contribute to the sustainable management of the Missisquoi Bay watershed. Your involvement will help ensure that local voices are heard and that solutions are tailored to the needs of our communities.

Who Should Apply? We are looking for individuals with a commitment to environmental stewardship, a willingness to collaborate, and an interest in the health of the Missisquoi watershed. Whether you have experience in planning, municipal governance, or simply a passion for clean water, your perspective is valuable.

How to Apply? To express your interest or to learn more about these opportunities, please contact Dean Pierce.