REGIONAL NOTES
July 2020
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

PLEASE NOTE:
All meetings below will be held REMOTELY until further notice. Information about joining remotely is provided with every meeting agenda.

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AUGUST

8/4, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

8/4, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

8/4, 12:30pm:
Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

8/5, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

CANCELED:
8/19, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

8/19, 6:00pm: Energy Data Webinar | More Info & Registration »

 

Take the 2020 Census Today!

The 2020 Census is happening now. Please take 10 minutes today to respond online, by phone, or by mail.

 

United Way of Northwest Vermont COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

United Way is dedicated to supporting our community members through the COVID-19 pandemic and the social and economic fallout that may result from it. To support all of our neighbors, United Way is working with its existing network of partnerships and the community at large to develop a comprehensive list of community-based services and volunteer opportunities updated on a daily basis.

 
CCRPC  Board of Directors FY21 Membership

Bolton: Sharon Murray

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Michael Bissonette

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Tony Micklus

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

So. Burlington: Chris Shaw

Underhill: Vacant

Westford: Allison Hope

Williston: Vacant

Winooski: Mike O'Brien (Chair)

FY21 Membership is effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. 

For more information about the CCRPC Board of Directors,  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, Senior Transportation Planner

Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Associate

Regina Mahony, AICP, Planning Program Manager

Melanie Needle, Senior Planner

Taylor Newton, Senior Planner

Sai Sarepalli, PE, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager

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Please Note: As of March 16, 2020, CCRPC employees are working remotely and the office is closed to visitors. Please call or email and we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!

For bios and contact information,  click here.
 

 
Good afternoon,

On Thursday, July 30th from 6:30-8:30pm, the Local Solutions and Community Action Team established by Governor Phil Scott invites you to join a virtual COVID-19 recovery discussion for Chittenden County to:
  • Share challenges and ideas for community response and recovery
  • Connect to others working to respond, recover, and build long-term resilience
  • Meet with a "visiting team" of state, federal, business, and non-profit leaders who will share recovery strategies from across the state and ideas for resources and support.
All are welcome to attend. Coming together to discuss recovery strategies and build ongoing resilience is vital and your voice is critical. Please pass this notice along to anyone in your networks who may be interested.
 
Registration is required and can be completed at: https://www.vtrural.org/recovery/chittenden. Once you are registered, you will receive instructions to join via computer, mobile device, or phone. If you have any questions or need registration assistance, please contact  info@vtrural.org or 802-223-6091.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
Vermont Primary Election: August 11
The Vermont Primary Election will be held on August 11. Find election information and resources on the Vermont Secretary of State website.
Municipal Response to COVID-19
The CCRPC is working with member municipalities to compile one list of municipal government response to COVID-19. This list is updated regularly. Learn More »
CCRPC FY21 Annual Work Program & Budget in Effect
The CCRPC Board adopted the FY21 UPWP and Budget at its meeting on May 20, 2020. The FY21 UPWP is effective July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. Learn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
VTrans 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program Now Open; Applications Due September 30
The 2020 VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program is now open, and applications are due by Wednesday, September 30 at 1 PM. The intent of the VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is to improve access and safety for bicyclists and/or pedestrians through the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects. As in previous years, there will be workshops provided to potential applicants. It is strongly recommended that an official representative of the applicant attend one of these sessions (held August 11 and 12). All grant program materials, including the Application Guide and templates, may be found here »
Vermont Walk/Bike Summit Postponed to Spring 2021
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the VT Walk/Bike Summit is postponed until spring 2021. The event website will be updated when more details are available.
Vermont Freight Plan and Rail Plan Updates
The Vermont Agency of Transportation is embarking on an update of two important statewide modal plans: the Vermont Freight Plan (2012) and the Vermont Rail Plan (2015). The updates will be closely coordinated to efficiently incorporate the overlap of freight rail components. Both plan updates will address developing issues, including changes to the global economy and evolving trade agreements, e-commerce, technological advancements, and the reliability and resilience of our transportation system. Learn More »
Final Chance: Take the 10-Minute 50+ Cycling Survey by July 31
The experiences and preferences of older bicycle riders can inform local leaders about the cycling infrastructure and services that are needed for people of all ages. Answer the 50+ Cycling Surveyadministered by Carol Kachadoorian, an expert in active transportation and founder of dblTilde Collaborative. It is funded in part by AARP Livable Communities. The survey will close on July 31. Learn More »
More Transportation Projects & 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
Vermont's Sole Proprietor Stabilization Grant Program: Applications Due July 31
Vermont's CDBG Sole Proprietor stabilization grant program is designed to assist sole proprietors with no employees that have been impacted by COVID-19 and have remaining unmet needs that can be documented. Businesses will be required to provide a duplication of benefit affidavit to document unmet need. Learn More »
Vermont COVID-19 Mortgage Payment Grant Program Expanded; Applications Due August 31
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has announced an expansion of the Vermont Mortgage Assistance Program in order to assist more Vermont homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage and are facing economic hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously VHFA had announced that the program would provide up to three monthly mortgage payments directly to the servicer of the mortgage with a goal of preventing future foreclosure. Upon review, the agency is expanding the program to cover up to six monthly mortgage payments. Grants to homeowners still must be made toward actual delinquent mortgage payments that have already been missed by the time of application. However, recipients may receive less than six months of payments depending on funding availability. Existing applicants need not reapply to receive this extended benefit. Learn More »
Guidance for Employers Regarding an Employee Testing Positive for COVID-19
Businesses should be prepared in the event that an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Refer to this guidance from the Vermont Department of Health to find complete information.
COVID-19 Business Impacts in Vermont
ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help assess the full impact as we work toward solutions. Learn More »
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
Essex Rain Barrel Kits Available August 15
The Rethink Runoff Stream Team is offering kits to teach you how to build, install and maintain your own rain barrel. Rain barrels allow you to capture a free resource (rainwater!) to use on your lawn or garden, for washing your car or for cleaning tools. Rain barrels help decrease runoff to Lake Champlain by capturing and holding rain water during a storm, and that means cleaner water for everyone. Due to COVID-19, the  Rethink Runoff Stream Team is offering rain barrel kits for pickup, rather than an in-person workshop. They will create a how-to video to walk you through each step and will pre-drill all the holes, so you will not need any special tools to assemble the barrel at home. Kits will contain all necessary hardware for construction. Learn More & Register »
Energy Data Webinar: August 19
Please join CCRPC staff virtually on Wednesday, August 19th from 6:00-7:00pm to increase your knowledge of the data available to you for understanding how energy use is trending in your municipality. Melanie Needle and Taylor Newton, the CCRPC energy planners, will be the speakers for a free one-hour webinar event with time for Q+A. The presentation will focus on the nuts and bolts of the energy data report provided by Efficiency Vermont. Presentation topics include status of energy planning, an overview of data measures available to you for quantifying energy usage and project types, and a look at regional energy usage over time. Learn More & Register »
Efficiency Vermont Summer Energy Savings Tips 
Using an air-conditioner isn't the only answer to beating the heat during Vermont summers. When temperatures are rising, and the sun is shining, you can still stay cool without spending more on your energy billsLearn More »
Vermont Fuel Tank Inspection Deadline: August 15
Vermonters who heat with fuel oil are encouraged to get their tank inspected this summer.  According to Vermont regulations, tanks that have not been inspected within the past three years can not be filled after August 15, 2020.  Contact your fuel provider to confirm that your fuel oil tank has been checked by a Vermont Certified Tank Inspector. If your tank has not been inspected, schedule an appointment soon.   Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Chittenden County COVID-19 Recovery Forum: July 30
On Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm, the Local Support and Community Action Team of the Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force will hold a virtual recovery forum for Chittenden County to: Share challenges and ideas for community response and recovery; connect with others working to respond, recover and build long-term resilience; and meet with a "visiting team" of state, federal, business and nonprofit leaders who will share recovery strategies from across the state and ideas for resources and support. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Registration is required. If you have questions or plan on joining by phone and need registration assistance, contact info@vtrural.org or 802-223-6091 in advance.
Grant Opportunities for Towns: Digitization of Land Records
$2 million will be issued to qualifying municipalities to reimburse certain costs associated with making digital copies of land records available online for public access through a secure portal. The grants are being issued to provide economic support to town offices which have been impacted by increased customer demand due to the COVID-19 public health emergency but are otherwise unable to successfully allow those customers to search land records.  Learn More »
Take the Census Today! 

Chittenden County Census Response Rate is Only 72%; Vermont is only 56% Overall
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. The Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five US Territories. Results from the 2020 Census will be used to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services, as well as help our communities prepare to meet transportation and emergency readiness needs. Take the Census »

Watch a short video created by BTV Counts that features community members, including CCRPC's Bryan Davis, explaining why your response to the 2020 Census is critical. Watch & Share the Video » 

BTV Counts has produced videos in many languages! Watch & Share »
 
Emergency Management
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Mandatory Mask Wearing Effective August 1
Effective August 1st, Vermonters will be required to wear masks in public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where physical distancing is not possible. There are some exceptions, including for children under 2 years old and for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. The Vermont Department of Health offers guidance on when it's important to wear a masks. Learn More »
Vermont Emergency Management Website
The Vermont Emergency Management website is a useful resource during this time. View the Governor's latest Executive Orders, a variety of public and health resources, and more at https://vem.vermont.gov/.
Vermont Alert
VT-ALERT is the state system that notifies Vermonters of emergency situations, weather alerts, road information, and more. Register for a free account at  www.vtalert.gov .
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Summer Meals for Kids and Teens
Did you know that you can access FREE meals for your children all around Vermont this summer? Many schools and other local organizations are providing meals for all children 18 years old and under -- including toddlers and preschoolers throughout the summer months! Visit hungerfreevt.org/summer-meals-site-lists to view all summer meals sites by county or dial 2-1-1 and ask where you can find summer meals in your region.
United Way Releases $1.5M in Year 3 Program Funding
United Way of Northwest Vermont has issued its third round of program funding grants to 50 local nonprofit organizations serving Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties, finalizing a three-year funding commitment that collectively totals $4.5 million in community investments. Learn More »
Statewide Opportunities to Volunteer & Donate
If you want to find a way to help, there are many opportunities. At the state level, there is now a central website where Vermonters can volunteer: https://vermont.gov/volunteer.
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *21.