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All events held at the CCRPC unless otherwise noted.
SEPTEMBER
9/5, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
9/5, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
9/5, 12:30pm: CCRPC MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting
9/6, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting
9/12, 9:00am: CCRPC Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
9/13, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
9/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting
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Around the County: Photo of the Month
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Click photo to enlarge.
New housing under construction in Burlington
Photo by Lee Krohn
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Chittenden County Traffic Alert Program
Construction season is here! Sign up for the CCRPC's Chittenden County Traffic Alert to stay in the know about all the latest construction projects, possible delays, and other important alerts throughout the busy construction season.
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Volunteer with Neighbor Rides
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. This partnership uses volunteer drivers to leverage government and community-funded transportation programs and help more people by decreasing the cost per ride.
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CCRPC
Commission Representatives
Bolton: Joss Besse
Buel's Gore: Garret Mott
Burlington: Andy Montroll
Charlotte: Jim Donovan
Colchester: Marc Landry
Essex: Jeff Carr
Essex Junction: Dan Kerin
Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante
Huntington: Barbara Elliott
Jericho: Catherine McMains
Milton: Henry Bonges (Alt.)
Richmond: Bard Hill
Shelburne: John Zicconi
South Burlington: Chris Shaw
St. George: Jeff Pillsbury
Underhill: Brian Bigelow
Westford: Dave Tilton
Williston: Chris Roy,
Chair
Winooski: Michael O'Brien,
Vice Chair
For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources,
click here.
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Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Cathy Aikman, CCOA Project 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, Business Manager
Bryan Davis, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner
Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner
Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager
Sam Francis-Fath, CCOA Data Manager
Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner
Tori Houston, CCOA Communications/Admin Coordinator
Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner
Lee Krohn, AICP, Senior Planner
Regina Mahony, AICP, Planning Program Manager
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Emily Nosse-Leirer, Planner
Sai Sarepalli, PE, Transportation Planning Engineer
Michelle Thibault-Hatch, Finance Assistant
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
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All In for Clean Water!
On August 21 Governor Phil Scott will issue a proclamation declaring Clean Water Week for the State of Vermont. We invite you to join in celebrating Vermont's waters, and the efforts of businesses, organizations, and communities to protect and restore clean water statewide. Vermonters and visitors alike drink, swim, fish, boat, and admire the scenic beauty of Vermont's waters. Join us and be "All In" for clean water!
Towns, organizations, and businesses can highlight their commitment to clean water by hosting an event, sharing their project on social media (#cleanwaterweekvt) or becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship is free, and registered Clean Water Week sponsors and events will be included in Clean Water Week publicity prior to and during the week. For more information, email [email protected] or call Bethany Sargent at (802) 490-6131.
This announcement, in addition to increased state funding through a number of grant programs, demonstrates the commitment throughout state government to help address water quality.
Closer to home, the CCRPC's member municipalities continue to improve water quality through many efforts. The CCRPC is working to support our municipalities with several programs:
- CCRPC and all of the RPCs in Vermont work with Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) basin planners with our member municipalities and other partners to prioritize needs and projects in each of the 14 watersheds in the State in Tactical Basin Plans. The most recent plan to be updated in our region is the 2016 Lamoille Tactical Basin Plan. The Winooski Tactical Basin Plan is currently in development. These plans set the priorities for needs and projects that are funded with the various grant programs discussed below.
- CCRPC staff and interns are conducting road erosion inventories and culvert evaluations for 18 of our municipalities using grant funds awarded by VTrans Better Roads Program. With the assistance of a consultant, we are analyzing the data and working with each municipality to prioritize erosion sites and develop plans to assist with project development and implementation.
- Vermont's RPCs are working on behalf of DEC to administer the Municipal Grants-in-Aid Pilot Program. This program provides funding for municipalities to implement best management practices (BMPs) on municipal roads ahead of the forthcoming State Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP). Ten Chittenden County municipalities are participating in this program this year.
- Vermont's RPCs and Natural Resource Conservation Districts have obtained Clean Water Block Grant funding from DEC to provide capital funding to municipalities for implementing non-transportation projects. More information about this funding program will be coming soon.
- CCRPC has $100,000 in its FY18 Unified Planning Work Program budget for consultant assistance to our municipalities to scope/develop conceptual plans and cost estimates for water quality projects that address highway runoff. Applications are due August 28.
- For our nine municipalities and three regional organizations that operate under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, we've helped to manage their required Public Outreach and Involvement campaigns for several years. Earlier this spring, these efforts were merged into one common brand known as Rethink Run-off. See more at: http://rethinkrunoff.org/
For a one page overview of most of the grant programs,
see this document. We'll provide updates as different grant opportunities become available. We're pleased to offer these and other services, and we recognize and appreciate the work that municipalities are tackling on their own.
Keep up the great work! There is lots to do! We look forward to celebrating the successes of everyone's water quality work each year.
Best Regards,
Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Vermont Highway Safety is an Everyday Effort
The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Thomas D. Anderson, and the Director of the Vermont State Police, Colonel Matthew T. Birmingham express their sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones on Vermont's highways this year. Law enforcement can point to many studies that indicate when a seatbelt is used, occupants of a vehicle are more likely to survive a traffic crash. The Vermont State Police recognize the following critical areas as priorities within Vermont's Strategic Highway Safety Plan:
- Seatbelt Use
- Impaired Driving
- Speed and Aggressive Driving
- Distracted Driving
The Vermont State Police, the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance and its partners promote multiple annual highway safety enforcement and education efforts. Through these programs and other efforts, the Vermont State Police and its partners will continue to promote safe driving habits in our effort to save lives. We hope you will join us.
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VTrans Park and Ride Grant Program: Applications Due August 31
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is soliciting proposals for the creation of small Park-and-Ride Facilities in Vermont communities. The 2018 Municipal Park-and-Ride Grant Program has been funded with $200,000.00. Application deadline is August 31, 2017. Click here or contact Wayne L. Davis, (802) 828-5609.
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Stay Informed During Road Construction Season
The 2017 road construction season is well underway and a number of projects will involve short-term road closures to save money, reduce overall construction duration, and avoid potential environmental impacts. The following projects will be constructed this year and will involve short-term road closures:
- VT116 Potash Brook Culvert, South Burlington: VT116 between Kennedy Drive and Hinesburg Road will be closed for culvert replacement beginning in late June and ending by September 1.
- Bridge 8 (between Moody Road and Carse Road) on Main Road, Huntington: Main Road will be closed for 50 days beginning on June 29. Due to weight restrictions on adjacent bridges, though trucks must use alternate routes -- VT116 or VT100. Variable message signs will be place at key decision points.
- US2 Bridge over Snipe Island Brook, Richmond: US2 in Richmond will be closed between July 21 - August 18. Through traffic will be directed to I-89.
Click here to get information on these and other construction projects, and sign up to receive a weekly Traffic Alert email.
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2017 Way to Go! School Challenge
New for 2017, Way to Go! will become a K-12 School Challenge! The Way to Go! School Challenge is a fun and easy way for schools to battle carbon pollution by encouraging students, staff and faculty to use efficient transportation. Simply walk, bike, roll, carpool, or take the bus anytime during the two-week Challenge September 25 - October 6. Check out this fun video to get inspired. Registration is open at www.WayToGoVT.org.
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GMT NextGen Transit Development Plan
Green Mountain Transit (GMT) is developing a NextGen Transit Development Plan that will improve service by identifying ways to better match service with current needs, make service simpler, more direct, faster, and more convenient. This is the first time that GMT has conducted a comprehensive effort of this type, and public and stakeholder input is critical to the project's success. Learn More »
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Interested in Electric Assist Bicycles?
Are you an e-bike rider, or a potential e-bike customer? The Burlington Electric Department and Efficiency Vermont recently launched a survey for E-Bike owners (and prospective owners) on how, why and where e-bikes are used in the State. Survey results will be used to help formulate a soon-to-be released e-bike incentive program, while introducing the idea of e-bikes as a viable transportation mode. Click here to anonymously fill-out this five-minute survey.
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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 »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
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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 »
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Ground-breaking on Chittenden County Brownfields Project
On July 13 there was a ground-breaking event at 316 Flynn Avenue in Burlington featuring a building redevelopment to include 30 modern apartments and 2 commercial spaces. Located along the busy Pine Street corridor, the redevelopment replaces the Pine Street Deli and will provide neighborhood-scaled retail and much needed new housing in Burlington. The CCRPC provided more than $16,000 to fund preparation of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and a Corrective Action Plan by L.E. Environmental of Waterbury. Read more about the CCRPC Brownfields program.
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Explore the Lake Champlain Byway
The Lake Champlain Byway website has been revamped and promotes the 184-mile route through Grand Isle County, Chittenden County and Addison County. It is comprised of 22 communities and more than 200 intrinsic resource sites (parks, boat launches, trails, natural areas, museums, etc.) managed by government entities and non-profits.
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CVOEO Study: Demographic and Economic Contributions of New Americans to Chittenden County
New Americans contribute significantly to Chittenden County's housing values, GDP, and job market according to a new report released by the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). This report addresses the negative stereotypes surrounding immigrants, documenting the wide range of benefits provided by our New American neighbors. Among the significant discoveries included in the report are that, since 2009, New Americans have increased home values by $25M, they have added over $712M to the GDP of Chittenden County, and they have saved more than 270 Vermont manufacturing jobs. Click here to view the complete report. Contact: Joan White, Development Director CVOEO, 862-2771 ext. 744.
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cc:econ Catalysts of the Climate Economy Summit: September 6-8
Join the Vermont Council on Rural Development at the Catalysts of the Climate Economy Summit. The three-day national innovation summit in Burlington, VT brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to gear up for the next stage of economic development and prosperity in a low-carbon pollution future. Learn more and register here.
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Energy & Natural Resources
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
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Longtime CCRPC Board Member Marty Illick Receives Award
Marty Illick and the Lewis Creek Association, a leading Vermont water quality and conservation organization, have been honored with the eighth annual GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Award. The award, named for famed osprey advocate Meeri Zetterstrom of Milton, was presented to Illick and LCA for more than 25 years of work and education to improve the Lewis Creek watershed, which spans Ferrisburgh, Monkton, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Starksboro and Bristol in Addison and Chittenden counties. Nominated by employees of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Illick, the executive director, and LCA were praised for using data as a tool to support conservation in the watershed. Read the full article here.
Congratulations Marty!
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Bolton Conservation Commission Awarded Grant
The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) recently awarded "tiny grants" ($250-$400) to six Conservation Commissions statewide, including to the Town of Bolton. The Town of Bolton Conservation Commission will use the AVCC Tiny Grant to host an informative presentation from Sue Morse, a nationally acclaimed tracker, naturalist, photographer, and founder of Keeping Track, on the impact of climate change on animals of the north. Contact: Amy Ludwin, 802-355-3646.
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All In for Clean Water!
On August 21 Governor Phil Scott will issue a proclamation declaring
Clean Water Week for the State of Vermont. We invite you to join in celebrating Vermont's waters, and the efforts of businesses, organizations, and communities to protect and restore clean water statewide. Vermonters and visitors alike drink, swim, fish, boat, and admire the scenic beauty of Vermont's waters. Join us and be "All In" for clean water!
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CCRPC Municipal Water Quality Assistance Available
The CCRPC has funding available
to help our municipalities scope/develop conceptual plans and cost estimates for any environmental mitigation activity to address highway runoff, including pollution prevention and pollution abatement activities and mitigation to address stormwater management for identified project locations. Development of these plans/cost estimates will assist municipalities in applying for various VTrans implementation grants. Projects funded will have a strong transportation link. Deadline: Monday, August 28, 4 p.m. to
[email protected]
.The maximum award from the CCRPC is $20,000. An additional 20% non-federal cash match is required.
Download the application form here.
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Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions Announces 2017 Conservation Summit
The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions is planning their annual Conservation Summit at the Common Ground Center in Starksboro on Saturday, September 23, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This all-day conference features a variety of presentations and training essential for Vermont's conservation community. This year's theme is "Conservation into the future!" and participants will explore the skills, partnerships, science, and technology that are changing the face of conservation. This theme is woven through all the sessions to help better position Vermont for conservation into the future. Click here for more details and to register.
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South Burlington Residents Saved Nearly $450,000 on Electric Bills in Two Years
South Burlington residents cut nearly six percent from their electric bills, resulting in nearly $450,000 in real savings, through energy efficiency efforts. The South Burlington Energy Committee promoted energy efficiency through home energy parties, public events, free energy conservation kits, newspaper articles and fun advertisements, Facebook, Front Porch Forum, and the energyprize.org website. Residents took action and upgraded light bulbs to LED, bought new energy-efficient appliances, weatherized homes, installed solar panels, used power strips, replaced inefficient shower heads, shared successes with friends and neighbors, and took many other energy-saving actions. Read more here.
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The 2017 Button Up Vermont Campaign is Coming
Button Up Vermont is a community-based, public outreach campaign to promote home energy efficiency improvements - particularly helping people reduce heating and cooling costs. Efficiency Vermont, in partnership with a broad group of statewide and regional organizations, is planning to work with at least 25 Vermont communities to engage their residents around thermal efficiency. The 2017 Button Up Vermont campaign will focus on all Vermonters and is designed to provide opportunities for all individuals to take actions - from simple weather stripping to comprehensive home efficiency improvements.
Local energy groups will be able to sign up to participate in Button Up Vermont by late August/early September. For more information contact Paul Markowitz at Efficiency Vermont at [email protected] or 802-540-7608.
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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State Municipal Day, September 15
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, will be hosting State Municipal Day on September 15, 2017. This all-day event, designed for municipal officials and staff, will offer workshops, technical assistance, and the opportunity to engage with State staff and municipal colleagues from across Vermont. Registration and the full agenda are available on the ANR website.
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Municipal Planning Grants: Applications Due October 2
Up to $20,000 will be awarded to eligible municipalities chosen through a competitive selection process. See the
FY18 MPG Program Description for details on eligibility, funding and the competitive criteria. Grant applications are
due Monday, October 2, 2017 and grants will be awarded by mid-December. For FY18, the statewide priorities will focus on plans, bylaws and studies for villages, downtowns, and walkable neighborhoods with an emphasis on housing, and on correcting conflicts and inconsistencies in plans and bylaws. All applications must be submitted through the
online grants management system. Applications can be developed off-line first using the
Application Instructions and resources available on the
Applicant Guidance page.
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Vermont Preparedness Conference: Sept. 15-16, Fairlee
Free registration is open for the Vermont Preparedness Conference being held at the Lake Morey Resort September 15 & 16, 2017. Click here for more details.
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Rail Car Incident Response Training: October 7, Berlin
Vermont Emergency Management is sponsoring AWR 147: Rail Car Incident Response, an 8-hour, awareness level course developed to educate rural emergency responders on freight rail car incidents involving hazardous materials. Click here to register by September 23. For more information contact Brittany Marquette at 802-241-5414 or [email protected].
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FEMA Announces Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Programs
FEMA has released their Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for both the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs for FY17. The application period will open on August 14 and close on November 14.
- PDM: Vermont will receive a $575,000 (federal share) set-aside for eligible projects/plans under PDM, in addition to the chance to apply for up to 15% of the PDM funding allocation for competitive projects. Read more here.
- FMA: $160 million has been obligated to FMA for FY17, with a prioritization of $70 million on flood mitigation projects. FEMA has determined that Advance Assistance funding will be provided to develop potential mitigation projects and acquire the data necessary to create eligible and robust applications in future rounds of funding. FMA funding can also be used for floodplain restoration projects that benefit NFIP-insured properties and those communities in good standing with NFIP. Read more here.
Contact Lauren Oates with potential project ideas, Desk: (802) 241-5363, Cell: (802) 798-2084. Eligible applicants must apply for funding through the Mitigation eGrants system on the FEMA Grants Portal accessible at
https://portal.fema.gov.
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
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CCOA Announces Opioid Scorecard
The Chittenden County Opioid Alliance (CCOA) Scorecard contains indicators chosen to best measure the work the Alliance is doing. Data on the Scorecard is specific to Chittenden County's opioid crisis with context and data comparisons to national trends. Scorecard Metrics include: # of accidental opioid overdose fatalities in Chittenden County, # of opioid-related Emergency Department visits at UVM Medical Center and average time spent on Chittenden County treatment hub wait list. To see more metrics and learn specifics about the work the Alliance is measuring, click here. To receive monthly newsletter updates from the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance, sign-up here.
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CCOA's Working Recovery Team Seeks Employer Partners
The Working Recovery Team, a project through the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance and GE HealthyCities Leadership Academy, is working to engage and inspire the Chittenden County business community to hire and support individuals in recovery. If you are an area employer interested in learning more about hiring and supporting individuals in your workforce who are in recovery, please email Tori Houston or call 802-391-9076.
Learn more about the CCOA »
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Vermont Healthy Community Design Resource
The Healthy Community Design Addendum is available on the Vermont Department of Health website. While not an exhaustive inventory, this document provides examples of policies, plans, and strategies implemented by Vermont communities to create places that support healthy lifestyles around physical activity; healthy eating; tobacco; alcohol & drug abuse prevention. It also includes sources to find "best practice" examples of zoning, ordinance and policy language municipalities could adopt to support healthy lifestyle choices. Read more here.
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2020 Census Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA)
LUCA is the only opportunity offered to 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. The Census Bureau wants your participation to help ensure an accurate decennial census count in your community.
In July an invitation letter and registration forms were mailed to the highest elected official in all eligible governments. This registration form must be completed and returned to the Census Bureau to participate in the LUCA process. CCRPC cannot participate unless a municipality requests our assistance. CCRPC could offer assistance in reviewing the address data in a GIS format as well as helping to compile local sources of address data.
For more information about LUCA, call 1-844-344-0169, e-mail [email protected], or visit the Census website. If you'd like CCRPC's assistance please contact Pam Brangan.
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Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail launched
On behalf of fellow sites, partners and stakeholders throughout the state, the
Milton Historical Society and
General Stannard House Committee are pleased to announce the launch of the
Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail.
The Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail was born out of a desire to link key American Civil War sites in the Green Mountain State - museums, historic sites, exhibits and more - and educate by making this important history more unified and accessible. Special thanks are due to Howard Coffin, whose 2013 book "Something Abides: Discovering the Civil War in Today's Vermont" is a reference and inspiration for this Trail. Visit www.vtcivilwarheritage.net to learn more.
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