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Community Announcements
Designated Downtown Village Center Grants Awarded to Lyndon & Hardwick
Governor Scott and the Department of Housing & Community Development announced recipients of the 2025 Downtown Transportation Fund grant awards. Eight Designated Downtowns & Village Centers will share funding to make investments in infrastructure and public spaces, making their communities more inviting to guests and residents. Hardwick received $200,000 to replace the deteriorated pedestrian bridge for safety and ADA compliance. The Town of Lyndon will use the $200,000 award to install four raised crosswalks with curb extensions and light posts at each crosswalk, and upgrade ten existing light posts for pedestrian safety. Congratulations from NVDA!
Vermont Zoning Administrator's Handbook
The newly updated ZA Handbook is now available. In addition to its use as a procedural guide for the zoning administrator, the content of this handbook is also important to the planning commission, zoning board of adjustment, development review board and the municipal legislative body who are responsible for adopting and amending the bylaws, hearing appeals of an administrator’s decisions, and appointing and/or removing the zoning administrator. 2025 ZA Handbook
Transportation Work in the Region
NVDA's Transportation staff and interns will be starting Summer field work in many NEK communities soon. Work will include Road Erosion Inventories (REIs), traffic counts and speed studies, and bridge and culvert inventories. Questions? Dmorton@nvda.net.
Final Public Meeting to Review the Draft Rail Plan
All are invited on June 9th, 2:30-4:00 pm / online and in person
Maintaining and enhancing Vermont's rail system serves people and businesses by increasing options for travel, moving bulky freight efficiently, and improving the environment. Learn more from the website Here RSVP by using the registration link Here
Posters for Recreation Trails: Invasive Forest Pests
VT Urban & Community Forestry is working with the Agency of Agriculture, Forests, Parks & Recreation to raise awareness among trail users about how they can help reduce the spread of invasive forest pests. Flyers can be posted at trailheads across Vermont.
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Flyer #1 Clean Your Gear Encourages trail users to clean boots, gear, pets, and horses to prevent the spread of invasive species.
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Flyer #2 Help Spot Tree-of-Heaven Primarily for open paths, bike paths & rail trails,.
To request one or both (8.5 x 11) weatherproof flyers, send an email to Ginger.nickerson@uvm.edu with information on the number of flyers and where to send them.
Learn more VTinvasives.org
Firefighter Appreciation Day - A New Summer Event!
Firefighter Appreciate Day will take place at the Canaan Recreation Park on July 19th from 3:00-8:00 pm. Resource and food vendors will take part in the free event as a way for community organizations, clubs, and local board members to interact with the public. Find registration and vendor information Here.
Business Announcements
Efficiency Vermont Offers TLED Lighting for Businesses
Retrofitting linear fluorescent fixtures with tubular LED lamps provides energy efficient cost-savings for businesses. For a limited time, Efficiency VT will be offering increased incentives for TLED replacements on pre-approved projects. This is an easy way to transition to LED without having to replace the entire fixture - and EVT will pay 100% for the TLED lamps! To learn more about project details call (888) 921-5990, visit efficiencyvermont.com or email info@efficiencyvermont.com.
Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force
The Agency of Commerce & Community Development has compiled key resources to help Vermont businesses understand and respond to evolving tariff-related challenges on the federal level, evaluate the potential impact on Vermonters, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.
St Johnsbury History & Heritage Center is Hiring Executive Director
This administrative position is part-time. The Executive Director is the primary spokesperson to the organization's constituents, media and the public, and reports to the Board of Directors. The leadership position involves day-to-day operations, overseeing programs, finances, marketing, fundraising and community engagement. https://www.stjhistory.org/ Send a letter of interest and a resume to Cynthia Stuart, Organizational Consultant at cynthia@stuartconsult.com.
NEK Broadband Positions Open
NEK Broadband (dba NEKCV) is a community-driven organization committed to bringing reliable, high-speed fiber internet to the most rural and underserved parts of Vermont. As a small but growing team deeply rooted in the Northeast Kingdom, NEK Broadband is eager to hire locally. Several positions are open. Visit the website for specific details and information on how to apply. www.nekbroadband.org. Questions? Ruchi Nadkarni, HR Analyst ruchi@nekcv.org
Start Your Own Childcare Business, June 18th (2 sessions) 1:30-3:00 pm & 4:00-5:30-pm
Attend an Open House at North Country Career Center in Newport. Meet and connect with childcare professionals and learn the essential steps to launch a successful childcare business. Sponsored by NVDA and Child Development organizations. Refreshments and door prizes! Call (802) 540-5163 for more information.
Do North Pitch Competition Returns this Fall!
The NEK's hottest pitch competition is back and pitchers will be pitted against one another as they compete for a cash prize! Save the date: Oct 23rd. Are you interested in helping participants develop their pitches? Do North is looking for advisors, industry experts, or volunteers to be sounding boards as the businesses prepare their presentations. Email team@donorthcoworking.com for more information.
Flood Recovery Updates
Attention Local Officials: Are you ready for your next disaster?
Join the Municipal Operations Support team (MOS) as they reflect on lessons from Vermont's 2023 and 2024 disasters to help prepare more effectively for what lies ahead.
Online webinar: June 10th, 1:00-2:30 pm
Log in to your VLCT account to register - https://www.vlct.org/events/AreYouReady250610
Flood Recovery Work Continues at NVDA
In addition to sharing information on 2023 and 2024 flood recovery resources, NVDA staff have participated in local recovery group efforts and long-term planning. Flood recovery work at NVDA includes an EDA-funded modelling effort of the Lamoille River Basin which includes Hardwick in our region. The EDA effort also includes planning for business preparedness and continuity of operations.
Flood Recovery Resources:
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