Regional Notes | January 2022

Good afternoon,

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), and other stakeholders have been working to develop a transportation improvement plan for the I-89 Corridor through Chittenden County. The Chittenden County I-89 2050 Study will address future transportation needs of all users by improving safety, connectivity, and mobility; promoting livable communities; meeting our climate goals; and investing in the regional economy.

The Chittenden County I-89 2050 Study continues, now in Phase 5 (review the project timeline here), with a focus on evaluating multimodal packages of investments (Bundles) that will help accomplish the goals for the I-89 Corridor. The first package (Bundle 2) evaluates policies and transportation investments that will help reduce travel by single occupant vehicles and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thus reducing the need for major capacity improvements on I-89. A Strategic Model was developed to evaluate how a combination of investments and policies could accomplish these goals over the next 30 years by increasing participation in transportation demand management (TDM) programs; improving existing transit services and adding new ones; increasing biking, walking, and teleworking; concentrating land growth in areas already developed; applying parking pricing; moving to a mileage-based fee; and others.

A public meeting was held on January 26 to share the Strategic Model development process and results and receive the public's feedback on this effort. The public presentation is available here. The recommended policies and investments to achieve the highest reduction in single occupant vehicle travel (10-20%) and GHG emissions by the year 2050 are listed below. This package of investments and policies represents a significant challenge to our community and State, and it will take serious behavioral change as well as policy shifts at the State and possibly federal level to accomplish.

• Increase teleworking by 50%
• 90% of residential land use growth goes in existing developed areas
• Double trips made by bike
• Triple transit services and improve frequencies
• Increase participation in TDM programs and increase cost of parking in centers
• Mileage-based fee (5 cents/mile) to replace the gas tax as we convert to electric vehicles

As the study progresses, there will be more opportunities to participate and share suggestions and feedback. Please visit the project website for details, or contact me or Eleni Churchill, CCRPC Transportation Program Manager. We look forward to continuing to work together to address the future needs of all users of I-89 and its surrounding communities.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker

Executive Director, CCRPC

OF NOTE

CCRPC Job Opening: Equity and Engagement Manager

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is seeking to hire a full-time Equity and Engagement Manager to lead organizational and project-specific equity and racial justice efforts. For full consideration, apply by February 25, 2022. View the full job description and advertisement »

TRANSPORTATION

Jericho Bridge 15 Over Mill Brook - Alternatives Presentation Meeting: February 3

An Alternatives Presentation for Bridge 15 over Mill Brook will be held as part of the Jericho Selectboard meeting on Thursday, February 3, 2022 beginning at 7:00pm at the Jericho Town Hall located at 67 VT Route 15. The meeting may also be attended virtually at the Zoom link found in the Jericho Selectboard agenda. The recommended alternative includes a full bridge replacement while maintaining traffic on an offsite detour during construction. A copy of the scoping report is available here. A project fact sheet is available here.

Winter Bike Commuting Workshop: February 3, 12:00-1:00pm

Ever considered commuting by bike in the winter, but don't know where to start? Join Vermont Clean Cities, Local Motion, UVM Office of Sustainability, and Transportation & Parking for an interactive workshop. Learn More & Register »

Vermont Winter Bike/Walk Challenge: January 31-February 11

The third annual Vermont Winter Bike/Walk Challenge is on from January 31 through February 11! Participants who record a bike ride, or a stroll, on the Go!Vermont smartphone app or Go!Vermont website at least twice during the Challenge timeframe will be automatically entered to win prizes. Learn more and download the app »

Downtown Transportation Fund Grant Applications Due March 7

The Department of Housing and Community Development announced the availability of approximately $2,900,000 in Downtown Transportation Fund Grants (DTF) to support revitalization efforts in Designated Downtowns and eligible Designated Village Centers. Learn More »

#SafeDrivesSaveLivesVT Video Contest Announced

In conjunction with April's National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance announced its fourth annual video public service announcement contest. With a focus on distracted driving, the contest is open to high-school students and designed to encourage young drivers, their friends, and classmates to avoid distracted driving. Submissions are due March 15th, and all details are available on the VHSA website.

Save the Date: 2022 Walk Bike Summit - May 6

In partnership with VTrans, and along with a number of other participating organizations and sponsors, the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, in concert with the Walk-Bike Council of Addison County, will host the statewide Vermont Walk/Bike Summit on May 6, 2022 in various outdoor venues in Middlebury, VT. The 2022 Vermont Walk Bike Committee also invites you to share your expertise and creative endeavors with colleagues at the upcoming conference. Learn More »

Transportation Projects & Updates

For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee webpage; a full project list is included in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly.

ECONOMY

LaunchVT Online Application Coming Soon

LaunchVT is getting ready to open its online application for this year's 2022 cohort in February, which will be available on their website. LaunchVT provides business acceleration services to cohorts of eight entrepreneurs. All eight members of the cohort recieve mentorship specific to the needs of their businesses and participate in office hours, peer strategy sessions, focused trainings, pitch prep workshops, and investor events. Learn More »

VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development COVID-19 Business Guidance

Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) Secretary Lindsay Kurrle issued a memo to the Vermont business community outlining steps they can take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Learn More »

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Energy Storage Webinar: February 8, 7:00pm

Interested in learning more about improving your home's resiliency while cutting costs and carbon? Join your Regional Planning Commissions and Green Mountain Power on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00pm to learn now GMP's battery storage programs can help you stay powered up, while also reducing carbon emissions and lowering costs for all GMP customers. Click here to register.

Weatherization and the Windows Conundrum Webinar: February 24, 12:00pm

Do you think that replacing windows will be the best bang for your buck to reduce heating costs? Wondering if you should repair or replace them? In this session, we will discuss the reasons why it may be better to weatherize your home before you replace your windows, and other ways to mitigate commonly experienced issues around windows. We will explain where your weatherization dollars and efforts will have the most impact, and alternative options to replacing windows that may be better for your wallet. Join CCRPC and Efficiency VT on Thursday, February 24th, at 12:00pm. Please register here.

Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development Phase I Request for Proposals

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP) is requesting proposals for the 2022 Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development Project. Proposals are due February 25, 2022. Learn More »

EV Charging for Residents of Multiunit Housing

A $1 million grant program was launched to provide funding to owners of affordable and non-profit multiunit housing who would like to provide electric vehicle charging for residents. The application deadline is April 1, 2022. Learn More »

2021 Lamoille River (Basin 7) Tactical Basin Plan Released

The 2021 Lamoille River Tactical Basin Plan is available for viewing. A companion story map showcasing the watershed activity, water quality improvements, and priority strategies can also be viewed for an interactive experience of work happening in the watershed.

QUALITY OF PLACE

Help Make Your Community a Better Place

The Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Community Foundation, and Patronicity announced the launch of Better Places, a statewide program that empowers Vermonters to create and build vibrant and inclusive public places in the heart of Vermont Communities. Learn More »

Vermont Housing and Finance Agency Releases 2021 Annual Report

The report includes agency highlights, a summary of affordable rental housing opened, a summary of homebuyer programs, and more. Learn More »

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

$50M Homeowner Assistance Program Announced

The Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP), which will help Vermont homeowners facing pandemic hardships, is now accepting applications. The program, funded by $50 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will provide grants of up to $30,000 per household toward overdue mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, and property association charges. Learn More »