REGIONAL NOTES
November 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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DECEMBER

12/1, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

12/1, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

12/1, 12:30pm:
Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

12/2, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

12/8, 8:00am: Chittenden County Municipal Legislative Briefing

JANUARY

1/13, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee

1/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

1/20, 6:00pm: Public Forum Re: FY2022 Annual Work Program

 
CCRPC logo small

CCRPC FY21 Annual Work Program

The CCRPC's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is our annual work program that describes our activities and specifies the deliverables for the next year. The UPWP is the mechanism to implement the strategies for our region outlined in the ECOS Plan and helps municipalities implement their local plans.

 

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: Erik Wells

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,

We are beginning the process of creating the FY2022 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), our annual work program that funds municipal and partner projects and specifies the deliverables for the next year (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022). The solicitation for FY2022 projects was sent out to our municipalities, partners and other stakeholders on Friday, November 20. The current UPWP, effective through June 30, 2021, can be viewed here. The UPWP is the mechanism to implement the ECOS Plan strategies for our region and helps municipalities implement their local plans.

For FY2022 we anticipate having about $800,000 available for new municipal and partner project requests. A detailed description of the application and selection process, as well as all relevant application materials, are available on the UPWP webpage.

The deadline for receipt of completed submissions is Friday, January 22, 2021. Please contact Marshall Distel ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like staff assistance in developing your application.

We look forward to working with our member municipalities and partners to advance a number of initiatives in our region, including racial equity, transportation, land usewater quality, economic development, climate change, and much more.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
Now More Than Ever, Your Flu Shot Matters
The merger of flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to create an unprecedented public health situation in the coming months. UVM Health Network is doing everything it can to be ready. This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever before. Learn More »
Job Opening: Hinesburg Town Administrator/Manager
The Town of Hinesburg is seeking candidates for the position of its first town manager pending a vote by Hinesburg voters in March of 2021. If the vote does not support a town manager, the position will remain a Town AdministratorLearn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Public Meeting December 10: Richmond Bridge Street Complete Streets Corridor Study
Have you ever found it difficult to walk or bike on Bridge Street? Perhaps you have thought of ways to improve things? The Town of Richmond wants to hear from you! Please come share your ideas for making Bridge Street more friendly to walking and biking! Join us for a virtual public meeting on December 10th at 7:00pm via Zoom. Learn More »
Better Roads Grant Announcement 
The Vermont Agency of Transportation announced the 24th year of funding to support projects on municipal roads that improve water quality and result in maintenance cost savings. The grant funds are provided by VTrans with partnership through the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. The Vermont Better Roads Program promotes the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques that save money while protecting and enhancing water quality around the StateApplications for funding will be accepted until December 18th, 2020. Learn More »
VTrans 2021 External Research Projects: Submit Your Research Ideas and Join the Qualified Researcher List
Do you have an idea for a research project that the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) should consider? Every year, VTrans funds 2-4 external research projects and the submittal process is open to everyone. Project ideas must be submitted by December 18, 2020 for consideration in the 2021 program. To move forward, research ideas much be matched with a VTrans Technical Staff Champion who understands the value of the research and the benefit to the Agency. To submit your research idea, complete this form before December 18th

New this year, VTrans is developing a Qualified Researcher List. To generate this list VTrans will release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), open to all interested entities, by early December 2020. Organizations on the Qualified Researcher List will receive Problem Statements in January 2021 generated by the VTrans Technical Staff Champions that are matched to the submitted research project ideas. Research teams interested in responding to a specific research project will submit two page Letters of Interest by the end of January. 

For questions regarding project submissions or the Qualified Researcher List, please contact [email protected].
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 Temporary Broadband Subsidy Program: Applications Due November 30
The Temporary Broadband Subsidy Program provides eligible Vermont households with a credit to assist with Internet service subscriptions. Qualifying residents may receive a temporary credit of up to $40 per month toward an Internet service subscription. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until funding runs out or the program ends in December 20, 2020. You must apply before November 30, 2020Learn More »
Draft COVID Response Telecommunications Recovery Plan; Comments Due December 10
The draft plan, published by the Department of Public Service, calls for building targeted line extensions, supporting small-scale wireless projects and offering more subsidies for low-income residents who have access to broadband but cannot afford it. Vermonters are encouraged to submit public comments on the 306-page plan by Dec. 10. Hearings are planned for Dec. 3 and Dec. 8, ahead of the final plan's release on Dec. 20 Learn More »
Vermont COVID Shopper Survey
On the Fly, a group offering strategic and technical assistance to Vermont hospitality businesses, is conducting a short consumer survey to gauge Vermonters' attitudes and behaviors around travel, dining and grocery shopping during the pandemic. On the Fly has offered to share the data and insights collected with local businesses to help them determine how best to operate in the coming months. Businesses are encouraged to share the survey with their customersLearn More »
USDA Drought Declaration in Vermont
On October 8, 2020, the Vermont State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), requested a primary county disaster designation for nine Vermont counties due to losses caused by a drought that occurred from June 1, 2020, and continuing. USDA reviewed the Loss Assessment Reports and determined that there were sufficient production losses to warrant a Secretarial natural disaster designation. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration (11/12/20) to apply for emergency loans. Learn More »
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
State of Vermont Relaunches Incentive Program
The State of Vermont has relaunched its plug-in electric vehicle (EV) incentive program with an additional $950,000 for eligible new EV purchases made on November 5, 2020 or later. While funds remain, you can receive up to $4,000 toward an EV purchase or lease, in addition to other incentives you may qualify for. Visit our incentives page to learn about the state, federal, and utility incentives available to youLearn More »
Tree Sale Gift Cards Available for Holiday Season
Are you looking for a holiday gift for the baker, food-enthusiast or nature-lover in your life? Give the gift of trees! The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is excited to announce that gift certificate sales for our 38th Annual Tree Sale are now live. This year's theme is "Trees for Food Security." We are highlighting plants that can help stock your pantry including blueberry and raspberry bushes, apple trees and trees to tap for sap like maple and birch. We will also offer a wide variety of trees and shrubs that provide wildlife habitat, shade and add beauty to your home landscapeLearn More »
Lake Champlain Basin Program Offers Education and Outreach and Organizational Support Grants for Local Watershed Groups 
The Lake Champlain Basin Program seeks education and outreach proposals for projects that inform students or adults about key Lake Champlain Basin issues identified in the management plan Opportunities for Action. By developing awareness and knowledge about Basin issues, more informed decisions and constructive actions will benefit Lake ChamplainElectronic versions of proposals must be received by [email protected] no later than December 21, 2020. Learn More »
Leadership in Community Resilience Grant Program - Proposal Deadline: December 23
National League of Cities' (NLC) Leadership in Community Resilience grant program is currently accepting grant applications. NLC supports and enhances local capacity among elected leaders and staff, communities, and community-based organizations as they pursue coordinated climate resilience efforts. The 2021 request for proposals will award $10,000 grants and ongoing technical assistance to eight new cities next year. Proposal deadline is Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Learn More »
Erosion from Dirt Roads Affecting Water Quality
Past research has indicated that erosion from unpaved roads in Vermont has impacted water quality through the discharge of stormwater, sediment, and other pollutants into nearby waters. A recent study has shown that gullies from concentrated road discharge points, which lead to receiving waters, are increasing in volume. Data gathering will continue through June 2021. Learn More »
Efficiency Vermont: How to Improve Your Business's Indoor Air Quality
Well-maintained HVAC systems are important to a building's indoor air quality. They make the space more comfortable and can improve productivity levels. They also help reduce the risk of virus transmission. Learn More »
Button Up Vermont 2020
Help your neighbors use less energy to heat and cool their homes! You can bring Button Up Vermont to your community in 2020. Community leaders like you are the heart of Button Up Vermont, helping your neighbors keep their dollars in your community, have more comfortable, healthy homes, and reduce emissions. Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
VCRD's Community Visit Program
To support communities looking for new ways to connect and collaborate to get things done while public gatherings are restricted, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is now offering its Community Visit program using online tools. VCRD's Virtual Community Visit program, offered free of charge to communities, provides a platform for engagement and decision-making that is customized to each community's needsLearn More »
The Science and Art of Grant Writing Zoom Workshop: December 4-11
The Science & Art of Grant-Writing provides concrete, practical guidance for preparing successful grant proposals. Topics include: Organizing proposals to meet funding criteria; building compelling narratives; locating and using data effectively; and finding grant opportunities. Learn More »
ACCD COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center
To aid Vermonters as we all respond to and recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, ACCD has developed a Recovery Resource Center of available tools including financial assistance programs, unemployment information, and a series of Frequently Asked Questions to help businesses and individuals navigate the resources available in this time of need. Learn More »
 
Emergency Management
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Mandatory Mask Wearing in Vermont
As of August 1, Vermonters are 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 VT Department of Health offers guidance on when it's important to wear a masks. Learn More »
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
Resources: Getting Through the Holidays During the Pandemic
Getting through winter and the holiday season can be hard for many, and with the governor's recent order to refrain from seeing family and friends for the time being, it's likely to be even harder. In this hour of Vermont Edition, VPR gets advice on how to cope with stress and sadness, and ways to cultivate gratitude and joy, and give joy to others who may be struggling. Learn More »
 
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.