REGIONAL NOTES
August 2018
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

All events held at the CCRPC unless otherwise noted. 


SEPTEMBER

9/3: Labor Day - CCRPC Office Closed

9/4, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

9/4, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

9/4, 12:00pm: Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

9/5, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

9/11, 9:00am: LEPC-1 Meeting

9/12, 2:30pm: Planning Advisory Committee

9/19, 6:00pm:  CCRPC Board Meeting

 
Around the County: Photo of the Month
   Shelburne Beach at Sunset

Photo by Lee Krohn

Click photo to enlarge
 

Traffic Alerts

Sign up for the CCRPC's weekly Traffic Alert email -- your source for all roadway and construction work in Chittenden County during the 2018 season.

 

Electric Vehicle FAQ

Electric cars can save you money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint. With more Vermonters plugging in, here are a few things to consider before you make the switch.

 

United Way of Northwestern Vermont Volunteer Opportunities - Fall 2018

United Way can connect you with hundreds of ways to give your time and make a difference in your community.

 

Neighbor Rides Program & Volunteer Opportunities

Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont supported by a dynamic group of community partners that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities.

 
CCRPC 
Representatives

Bolton: Sharon Murray

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Jeffrey Bartley

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Tony Micklus

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

South Burlington: Chris Shaw

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

Underhill: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Vacant

Williston: Chris Roy, Chair

Winooski: Michael O'Brien, Vice Chair

For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here.
 
CCRPC  Staff

Charlie Baker, Executive Director

Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner

Pam Brangan, GISP, GIS Data & IT Manager

Jason Charest, PE, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager

Forest Cohen, Senior Business Manager

Bryan Davis, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner

Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner

Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager

Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner

Lee Krohn, AICP, Senior Planner

Regina Mahony, AICP, Planning Program Manager

Melanie Needle, Senior Planner

Emily Nosse-Leirer, Senior Planner

Sai Sarepalli, PE, Transportation Planning Engineer

Michelle Thibault, Finance Assistant

Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager

For bios and contact information, click here.
 
Good afternoon,
 
On August 9th, 2018, Commissioner June Tierney of the Vermont Public Service Department issued a positive determination of energy compliance for the 2018 Chittenden County ECOS Plan. This determination means that the ECOS Plan will be given greater weight - substantial deference - in the Public Utilities Commission's review of proposed energy facility development through the Section 248 process. This also means that the CCRPC can provide municipalities with a determination of energy compliance for comprehensive plans.
 
Please visit the Regional Energy Plan page for the determination documents.
 
Thank you to all who participated in the development of the Regional Energy Plan and shared guidance and expertise as we worked toward receiving this positive determination. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at [email protected] or Melanie Needle, CCRPC Senior Planner, at [email protected].

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Winooski Avenue Transportation Study Underway - Public Meeting September 5
The City of Burlington and the CCRPC, with assistance from Resource Systems Group (RSG), are looking at ways to make this important roadway safe, inviting, and convenient for users of all ages and abilities -- including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation riders. We are studying the entire length of Winooski Avenue, from the intersection with Riverside Avenue to the intersection of Howard Street (at St. Paul Street), but we can't do it alone -- we need your help! Here are a few ways to get involved:
Winooski River Bridge Maintenance Begins August 27
The Cities of Winooski and Burlington will be performing structural repairs on the Winooski River Bridge (US Route 2/7 Bridge over the Winooski River) beginning on August 27, 2018. The goal of this project is to make minor repairs to some sections of sidewalk and to complete regular maintenance of the bridge railing on the eastern side of the bridge. The duration of work is expected to last between two and three months. Temporary closures of traffic lanes and sidewalks will occur during construction and may impact users of the bridge. The closures are necessary to allow for construction vehicles and to protect public safety when the repairs are taking place.
Vermont Highway Safety Alliance Annual Conference: October 17
The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance invites you to attend its 6th Annual Conference: Safety for the Ages. Address highway safety issues with colleagues and experts in education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency services.
CCRPC Board Approves FY2019-2022 TIP
Following a public hearing on July 18, 2018 the CCRPC Board approved the FY2019-FY2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a financially-constrained, multi-year list of transportation projects in Chittenden County. In accordance with Federal regulations, the TIP must contain all federally funded transportation projects. Before any such project can be constructed it must be included in a current TIP that has been approved by the CCRPC Board. The FY2019-2022 TIP contains $242 million dollars of projects in the following categories:
  • Aviation -- $32.5 Million
  • Bicycle/Pedestrian -- 18 Projects -- $6.1 Million
  • Bridge Preservation -- 8 Projects -- $14.4 Million
  • Intermodal -- 1 Project -- $2.3 Million
  • New Facility/Major Roadway Upgrade -- 6 Projects -- $59.9 Million
  • Paving -- 6 Projects -- $20.9 Million
  • Roadway Corridor Improvements -- 1 Project -- $150,000
  • Safety/ Traffic Operations -- 15 Projects -- $42.7 Million
  • Transit -- $58 Million
  • Stormwater/Environmental -- 15 Projects -- $4.1 Million
Transportation Project News & Updates
For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. View the latest TAC agenda »
 
Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
Chittenden County Brownfields Program Accepting Applications
If you own or wish to develop a property that is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, please apply. To get started, read the information on different types of assistance and fill out and send us a site nomination/assistance request form. Learn More »
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
2018 ECOS Plan/Regional Energy Plan Receives Affirmative Determination of Energy Compliance
The Chittenden County Regional Energy Plan, part of the 2018 ECOS Plan, received an affirmative determination of energy compliance from the Department of Public Service on August 9, 2018.  
Vermont Climate Action Commission Report Available for Public Review & Comment Through September 30
The Vermont Climate Action Commission released its Final Report to the Governor on July 31, 2018. The Agency of Natural Resources is hosting a public comment period on the report, and comments from Vermonters will be reviewed alongside the report's recommendations. The public is invited to comment until September 30, 2018. Learn More »
 
Lake Champlain Basin Program Offers Grants to Preserve & Interpret Cultural Heritage - Deadline: October 1
The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) seeks proposals for projects to protect, restore, interpret, and showcase the historical resources and cultural heritage of the Champlain Valley.bThe CVNHP anticipates awarding over $100,000 across four grant categories.
Renewable Energy Vermont 2018 Conference & Expo: October 18-19
The theme of REV2018 is REVitalize: Transforming Energy Further, Faster, Together. Organized by the nonprofit trade association, Renewable Energy Vermont, this annual forum brings together business leaders, system operators, architects, builders, manufacturers, engineers, scientists, policy makers, and regulators.
Final MS4 General Permit 2018
The Agency of Natural Resources issued the VT MS4 General Permit 2018 on July 27, 2018. The most significant changes to in the 2018 MS4 permit is the requirement for municipalities to develop Phosphorus Control Plans to comply with the Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDLs.
Button Up Vermont Community Partner Application Process Open
Last fall, Vermonters in 31 towns helped their neighbors figure out how to spend less on heating and cooling and make their homes more comfortable.
Button Up Vermont is a statewide effort to cut energy use and keep families warm and healthy. 
There are two levels of participation in 2018:
  • Button Up Champ: Host two community engagement activities -- anything creative to help your neighbors to button up. We'll provide advertising, educational materials, and efficient products to give away.
  • Button Up Hero: New this year is the opportunity to bring the Weatherize program to your town. Building on the success of the Weatherize program in the Upper Valley, homeowners get a free energy saving assessment and work estimate in exchange for completing an online survey about their home energy use.
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
2018 Vermont Emergency Management Conference: September 7-8
The 11th annual Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held September 7 & 8 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. This year's keynote speaker will be FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, who will discuss his experiences in Houston following Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Learn More »
FEMA Urging Vermont Residents to Prepare for Summer Floods
Securing flood insurance is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the life you've built. Insured flood survivors are able to recover faster and more fully from a flood than their uninsured neighbors. This summer, FEMA is urging residents in Chittenden County and throughout Vermont to secure flood insurance to decrease the risk of damage caused by flooding events. Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S.; just one inch of water in an average-sized home can cost more than $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding, and flood insurance policies can take up to 30 days to go into effect. Now is the time to prepare for the unexpected. For more information on flood preparedness, including tips to prepare your home and how to secure a flood insurance policy today, visit FloodSmart.gov.
Flood Training Website Launched
FloodTraining.vermont.gov is now fully available for administrative officers (AO) of municipal flood hazard and river corridor bylaws. The site features tools and case studies for AOs, members of Development Review Boards and other community officials. The new site complements FloodReady.vermont.gov with its focus on community planning for flood resilience, and the technical materials available at the DEC Rivers page. Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Data Reviewed for Seven Chittenden County Municipalities
LUCA is the only opportunity offered to tribal, state, and local governments to review and comment on the U.S. Census Bureau's residential address list for their jurisdiction prior to the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau relies on a complete and accurate address list to reach every living quarters and associated population for inclusion in the census. Communities should be interested in LUCA to help ensure an accurate decennial census count, as an accurate count helps the federal government annually allocate more than $675 billion across 26 federal agencies for tribal, state and local government programs and services. An accurate count also helps communities plan for future needs. Last summer, CCRPC offered to assist with the LUCA address review. Seven member municipalities accepted the offer: Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho, Milton, Shelburne and Underhill.

CCRPC received the LUCA data for from the Census Bureau mid-March and were given 90 days to complete the review. Using ArcGIS, staff reviewed the address lists provided by the Census Bureau checking for accuracy of location, address number and street name. CCRPC's effort across the seven municipalities resulted in an average increase of 13% for corrected or new addresses. For more information, including the breakdown of approximate increase by town, read the full article here » 
City of Burlington Memorial Auditorium Public Workshop August 30
Workshop #1 will be a city-wide community dialogue focused on building on recent survey results by further developing and narrowing the potential uses for Memorial Auditorium, including rehabilitation options. This workshop will be hosted by the City of Burlington's Community and Economic Development Office, Planning and Zoning, Burlington City Arts and other City departments. August 30, 2018, 5:30-7:30pm, Contois Auditorium.  Learn More »
FY19 Municipal Planning Grants - RPC Confirmation Deadline: September 30; Application Deadline: October 1
For state fiscal year 2019, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development will grant approximately $450,000 to municipalities to promote community planning, revitalization and development activities that maintain Vermont's land use goal of compact settlements separated by rural lands. Learn More »
2018 State Government Municipal Day: Workshops Held October 25-November 2
Join the Agency of Natural Resources, the Agency of Transportation and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for workshops, technical assistance and networking opportunities. 17 different workshops will be offered at the Montpelier session, and satellite sessions will be held in Springfield, Rutland and Essex Junction that offer single-track trainings closer to home. Learn More »
Vermont Statewide Housing Conference 2018: November 13-14
This year's conference theme is the impact Vermont communities have on housing affordability. An inspiring line up of interactive, cutting-edge sessions will focus on specific municipal policy tools and community case studies. The 2016 conference drew over 400 housing professionals, including legislators, town and regional planners, advocates, developers, and bankers. Attendee evaluations from previous conferences have been consistently positive about the many opportunities to network, learn, and be inspired. Learn More »
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
Vermont Municipality ArcGIS Hub Competition to Drive Community Engagement - Deadline: September 15
In an effort to serve its own community, Stone Environmental is looking to collaborate with a Vermont city, town, municipality, or village interested in developing a community web application to utilize the power of local information and stories to drive civic engagement and support local initiatives. As part of this project, Stone's team of GIS specialists will be available to develop an "ArcGIS Hub" site for one Vermont community to share information and engage its citizens around a particular community interest or cause on an online platform. ArcGIS Hub is a web-based, two-way community engagement platform that offers plenty of customization, including interactive maps, informative charts, narrative story maps, dashboards, and a place to collaborate and connect with members of the community-local businesses, schools, local organizations, or citizen scientists.  Learn More »
AARP Vermont Offering Community Action Grants - Deadline: September 28
As a way to encourage and support grassroots action to make Burlington more livable for all ages, AARP Vermont is once again offering Community Action Grants to provide modest funding and technical support to community groups or individuals. The Community Action Grants will provide financial and other support to groups within Burlington that will advocate and work on projects to make improvements in areas such as affordable housing options for older residents, delivery of services to help older residents age in the setting of their choice, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, public transit, and more Learn More »
Registration Open for "Making It Happen!" - Local Leadership for the Future of Vermont Communities: October 1

Join local leaders working to improve life in their communities at the Vermont Council on Rural Development's VT Community Leadership Summit. The Summit will include:
  • Skills Workshops for Community Initiatives
  • Community Success Story Panels
  • Leadership Resource Fair
  • Group Dialogues on the "Future of Community Leadership in Vermont"
Call to Artists: Town of Jericho Town Hall Art Show
Established and emerging artists are invited to submit one or two pieces of two-dimensional artwork in any medium, including photography, for "In the Woods," an exhibit scheduled for October through December 2018 at the Jericho Town Hall. Registration materials are due by September 20, 2018.
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager: [email protected] or (802) 846-4490 x *21.