Broadband Survey - please participate!

Hello and thank you for agreeing to share your thoughts about broadband access in Central Vermont. Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and a group of volunteers representing a wide range of business sectors are working to develop a regional technology plan.

For the purposes of this survey, we are interested in how broadband is currently used in your profession AND how universal broadband in Vermont could enhance your professional, personal and community life. The survey responses will be used to help inform a strategic plan that identifies needs and opportunities related to new technologies, provide strategies to drive adoption of broadband, identifies key partnerships that will benefit from coordinated use of information technology (such as gov't services, education, health care, business, etc.) and encourages innovation among those key partnerships.

Broadband is the term used to describe high speed iternet Access. To learn more about broadband in your area, please go to www.broadbandvt.org.

Please click here to take the survey. Thank you!
 
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/690370/Central-Vermont-Regional-Broadband-Survey

Button Up Workshop

BUTTON UP WORKSHOP TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011 AT 7PM

BARRE ENERGY ACTION RESOURCE GROUP PRESENTS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR HOMEOWNERS

 

(Barre VT—11/2/2011)— Are you worried about heating costs for this winter?  Do you want to save money AND make your home more comfortable for the cold weather?  Please join BEAR (Barre Energy Action Resource) group for a free Button Up Vermont workshop on November 16, 2011 at the Barre Town Offices 149 Westerville Road, Barre, VT from 7-9 PM. Button Up Vermont is an informational session designed to help Vermonters learn the basics of building science and how to improve energy efficiency in their homes.

The free workshop was originally developed in 2008 by Central Vermont Community Action Council and is offered this year in partnership with Efficiency Vermont. It includes an overview of why building efficiency is so important here in Vermont, illustrates how homes lose energy,  and outlines clear steps that homeowners can take to address this energy loss. A Building Performance Institute-certified contractor is the main presenter and questions are encouraged.

Bob Somaini, proprietor of the East Barre Antique Mall, said, “Anybody who cares about the environment and energy consumption will find little things you can do to save energy.  For answers as to how, go to the Button Up workshop. It’s free,” he added.

Owners of homes and businesses in Barre and the surrounding area are invited to attend the two-hour session to learn about actions they can take to lower energy bills and make their homes and businesses more comfortable and affordable.

“We’re offering this workshop in Barre because with rising heating costs, everyone needs to be thinking about ways to make their homes more efficient,” said Elaine Wang – BEAR Co-Chair. “We hope that by sharing this information, we can help our residents be more comfortable in their homes and get more control of their heating expenses.”

Button Up Vermont workshops are being offered in communities around the state this fall and winter. To find a workshop, or to find information about hosting one in your community, visit buttonupvt.com.

We hope to see you on Wednesday November 16^th at 7PM for this useful, money saving workshop.

####

About Barre Energy Action Resource group (BEAR)

The Barre Energy Action Resource group is a newly formed ad-hoc group of Barre Town and Barre City residents.  BEAR’s focus is to promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources and to engage the community in reducing carbon emissions in Barre Town, Barre City and the surrounding area. For more information about upcoming events or to join the group, send an email to BarreEnergyActionResource@gmail.com 

About Central Vermont Community Action
Founded in 1965, Central Vermont Community Action Council helps people achieve economic sufficiency with dignity through individual and family development. CVCAC is part of the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies; a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency and a Community Development Corporation. The Weatherization Program has been operating since 1978, and has weatherized over 10,000 homes at no cost to the residents. www.cvcac.org

About Efficiency Vermont

Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont Legislature and the Vermont Public Service Board to help all Vermonters reduce energy costs, strengthen the economy, and protect Vermont's environment. Efficiency Vermont is currently operated by Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), an independent organization under appointment to the Vermont Public Service Board. VEIC is a Vermont-based nonprofit organization founded in 1986. For more information, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or visit www.efficiencyvermont.com.

VECAN Annual Conference is December 3rd!

~~Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network ~~

Invites you to

REGISTER NOW FOR VECAN'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON DECEMBER 3rd!

The Vermont Community Energy and Climate Action Conference will be held on Saturday December 3rd, from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm, at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee, Vermont.  Register for the conference HERE. 

Organized by VECAN and the UVM Extension Service, this daylong conference is for town energy committees, municipal officials,   local and regional planners,   Conservation Commissioners,    Selectboard and City council members,   Town public works staff ,    Environmental business professionals,     State government officials,  Academics,     Professional and Citizen planners   and  Concerned Citizens…

who are all interested in reducing energy costs and tackling climate change. *

• The goal for the day is to provide strategies communities can implement to reduce energy costs and reduce the damaging greenhouse gasses released into the environment. Participants will gain an increased understanding of a wide range of local opportunities for tackling energy and climate change. We invite you to take this opportunity to share your successes, challenges, and opportunities for addressing community energy and climate action with others in similar situations

·         This year’s conference  will open with Commissioner Elizabeth Miller with the Vermont Department of Public Service Commissioner and Secretary Deborah Markowitz with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Commissioner Miller will talk about the new State Energy Plan and what it means for communities, and Secretary Markowitz will discuss the work of the State’s Climate Cabinet. 

• The conference’s Key Note is environmental activist, actor, and writer Kathryn Blume who will talk about how one individual can make a difference in affecting climate change. 

The day will include 14 different workshops focused on promoting efficiency and renewable energy at the local level, along with a number of different roundtable discussions topics designed to promote dialogue.  For more information, contact: Jessie Schmidt, UVM Extension at 866-860-1382 extension 203 or by e-mail.

Concurrent Workshop Session A

A1. The Smart Grid is Coming.

A2. Climate Adaptation and Your Community.

A3. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) for Vermont.

A4. Going Solar..

A5. Working with Small Businesses to Save Energy.

A6. Promoting Real Transportation Alternatives—Effective Partnerships Making the Difference.

A7. Rooted in Community – Local Food Solutions.

Concurrent Workshop Session B

B1. Financing Options for Schools and Municipalities.

B2. Community-Supported Renewable Energy Projects.

B3. State Energy Policy and Your Community.

B4. Local Energy Projects in Vermont: A Smorgasbord of Opportunities.

B5. Action-Oriented Energy Planning Tools.

B6. Working with Local Officials and Engaging Your Community.

B7. Stimulating Significant Efficiency Improvements in Your Community.

Concurrent Roundtable Discussions

􀀀 R1. Ensuring the Sustainable and Environmentally-Sound Use of Vermont’s Biomass Resources

􀀀 R2. Ensuring the Sustainable and Environmentally-Sound Use of Vermont’s Wind Resources

􀀀 R3. Getting Your Community Involved in the Smart Grid.

􀀀 R4. Grassroots Efforts and Climate Change: Affecting Climate Policy at the State and National Level.

􀀀 R5. Community Energy Programs and Efficiency Vermont

􀀀 R6. Sustaining and Mobilizing the Volunteer Base in Your Community.

􀀀 R7 Making a Real Impact on Transportation Use in Your Community

􀀀 R8. Disaster Response, Energy, and Your Community

http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1010106

Woodbury, Fayston Berlin, and Warren Mitigation Plans

The Woodbury, Fayston, Berlin and Warren Local Mitigation Plan drafts are available to review for public comments. If you would like to review and submit comments, please contact Jen at mojo@cvregion.com or 802-229-0389 for a copy of the draft plan.

Washington Local Mitigation Plan Draft

The Washington Local Mitigation Plan draft is available to review for public comments. If you would like to review and submit comments, please contact Jen at mojo@cvregion.com for a copy of the draft plan.

Community Development Grant Workshop

The Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) will be hosting an application workshop on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at Capitol Plaza, 100 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont in the Montpelier Room. Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:30AM with the program starting at 9AM.


You can now register online for the event at https://secure.vermont.gov/ACCD/eventreg/event.php?eid=25
. The workshop registration fee is $30.

NOTE: Please be sure to tell us what type of application you will be applying for when registering. Indicate the application type in the “comments” field of your registration.

Application Types

• Accessibility Modification Grant
• Implementation Grant
• Planning Grant
• Scattered Site - Implementation Grant
• General Information
• Unknown

 Please complete the pre-application form and submit it to your CD Specialist prior to the application workshop. We ask that attendees to the workshop come prepared to talk about their project. Feel free to bring photographs or drawings or any related documents that will help us to better understand your project.

Should you have any questions, please contact me.

Cindy Blondin, Grants Specialist
Vermont Community Development Program
Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development
National Life Drive, 6th Floor
1 National Life Drive
Montpelier VT 05620-0501
Phone: 802-828-5219
Fax: 802-828-3258

Visit our website at www.dhca.state.vt.us/vcdp

Housing Challenges Survey

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is requesting the assistance of regional planning commissions in getting this information out to employers and encouraging them to respond to the survey regarding housing issues related to doing business in Vermont. If you know of business people who would be interested in participating in the survey, please forward this email to them. The link for the survey can be found below. Thanks for your assistance, as always! Laurie Emery, Central VT Regional Planning Commission



"Greetings,


In collaboration with our department, the Vermont Association of Realtors and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, VHFA has developed a survey designed to help us better understand the housing challenges faced by employers and their employees. The survey has been sent to local chambers of commerce as well as human resources professionals throughout the state. We are hoping, of course, for a high response rate. I am writing to ask that you reach out to any employers in your area (businesses, nonprofits, academic institutions) that you know may have an interest in the issue and encourage them to complete the survey. It will be completely confidential and results only analyzed in aggregate. Employers who choose to provide their contact information will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to a store or restaurant of their choice. The link to complete the survey is:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MLB5RCF

FEMA flood declaration -- Washington and Orange Counties

Attention Local Officials:  The FEMA form that needs to be completed and provided to VEM for the new declaration just announced today regarding Washington and Orange Counties for the May flood damages is available by contacting CVRPC.  cvrpc@cvregion.com will get you to Laurie Emery and the form can be emailed back to you. The town clerks of the municipalities in Washington and Orange have already been provided with the form.   If  town officials need assistance with the form, or anything else related to emergency management, please contact CVRPC’s emergency management planner, Paul Luciano, at 802/881-1654 or via email at pluciano@ccrpcvt.org  . CVRPC staff is also available to assist or answer questions at cvrpc@cvregion.com  or our individual email addresses.


The FEMA form can be faxed to the VT Agency of Transportation at 802/828-2848 or FEMA JFO at 802/951-2646. If these numbers change for any reason, we will let you know, but at the moment they are the numbers we’ve been provided. You can also contact Ross Nagy at VT Emergency Management to verify where the forms should go. Ross can be reached via email at rnagy@dps.state.vt.us. Let us know how we can assist!

Grant Resources for VT Municipalities

The Vermont Dept. of Buildings and Services has just announced the availability of the 2011-12 Recreational Facilities Grants Program. Click on the link below for the criteria and application details. Application deadline is September 2, 2011.


• Building Community Grants Programs Summary

• Recreation Facilities Grant

• Human Services and Education Competitive Grant Program

These forms are also available on the BGS Forms and Publications webpage, http://bgs.vermont.gov/formsandpublications. The application process for these grants is intended to be uncomplicated and quite simple.

2010 Census Fact Finder and how to get the data you want!

CVRPC has scheduled a webinar on tips and tricks to using factfinder2.gov for gathering 2010 Census data by town and by dataset. As I discovered at a meeting last night, it is not easy. So, we encourage you to join us on Thursday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at CVRPC’s offices to view this webinar and learn the tricks we need to get our data! We believe that once the webinar has been viewed, that it will be available at the website of the Council for Community and Economic Research for additional viewing, but we will have to confirm this information. We are also hoping that we will be able to acquire a DVD of the webinar that we could then share with town officials who want to view the presentation or who would like staff to present the information to a larger group in their locale.


There is no need to register for this July 28 at 2 p.m. webinar at CVRPC’s office, but in order to ensure that we have enough chairs, it would be handy if you let us know you plan on attending. Thanks.


Webinar Presentation on
Tips and Tricks for Using the New American FactFinder
To get 2010 Census data

July 28, 2011
2:00-3:30 PM EDT

Are you frustrated by the Census Bureau's new American FactFinder? Can't find the data you want? This webinar will provide a how-to demonstration to get the tips and tricks you'll need to successfully use the new American FactFinder. The webinar will also cover when the Census Bureau plans to move other data sets, such as the American Community Survey, to the new FactFinder.

Presenter:

Nancy Gemignani
Research Specialist, California State Census Data Center
State of California Department of Finance, Demographic Research Unit

FEMA Flood Estimator Workshops

FEMA will be hosting a series of one-day Substantial Damage Estimator software workshops at the Joint Field Office in Burlington. The software is a tool designed to assist communities in determining whether or not structures have been Substantially Damaged and whether structures need to be brought into compliance with local/NFIP minimum standards.


Workshops are scheduled to be held August 2, 3, and 4 (Depending on the level of interest). Please send me an email indicating your interest, which date you prefer, and whether a late/day-evening workshop is preferable. If interest exceeds classroom space, priority will be given to local officials in the communities that experienced the most extensive damage to residential/commercial structures.

A more formal invite/schedule will be sent, but we are trying to gage interest from local officials at this point,

Best Regards,


Rob Evans, CFM
Floodplain Management Grp Supv.
FEMA-1995-DR-VT/Mitigation
128 Lakeside Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
571.449.1641 (mobile)
robert.evans1@dhs.gov

VT Law School Presentations - Farm bill and Agriculture Law - Free

Summer Agricultural Events at VLS


Tues July 26 – Sustainable Agricultural Law Careers

Oakes 007
4:15-5:45PM

Moderator: William Eubanks II ’08, Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal

Panelists: Annette Higby, National Sustainable Agricultural Coalition;

Kenneth Miller, Law for Food LLP;

Jim Libby, VT Housing and Conservation Board

Panelists will describe what they do that relates to sustainable agriculture, their career path, fun stories of the kinds of projects they take on, and general advice for anyone aspiring to follow a similar path.

Thur August 4 – Unlocking the Farm Bill

Oakes 007
4:15-5:45PM

Moderator: Mary Jane Angelo, University of FL Levin College of Law

Panelists: Marne Coit, Greenfield Research and Consulting LLC;

Tom Berry, Senator Leahy’s Office

Highlights of what's good, bad, and possible with the Farm Bill, past and future.

~Both Events Are Free & Open to the Public~

For more information about these events, please contact:

Peg Elmer, pelmer@vermontlaw.edu, 802-831-1405

Farm to Plate and Good Agricultural Practices funding

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Capital Improvement Grant


FY2011 Request for Applications

I. BACKGROUND

A. Funding Source and Available Funds

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) received $100,000 from the Vermont Legislature to provide matching grants for capital investments that will support Vermont agricultural producers in obtaining GAP certification. There is a maximum cap among all GAP Capital Improvements Program grants of $10,000 per farm, and farms must contribute a minimum of 50% of the total project costs.

This funding will be disbursed in two grant rounds, with the first grant round open from July 1 to September 30, 2011. A total of $50,000 is available in the first grant round, and will be made available to producers for eligible expenses in the order that applications are received. Applications received after first round grant funds are fully expended will be automatically considered in the second round of funding. The second round will open on November 1, 2011.

Please note that all farmers who undergo a USDA GAP audit through VAAFM are also eligible for a reimbursement of up to $500 of audit costs, for a maximum of two growing seasons or $1000 per farm. Audit costs are not an eligible expense for the GAP Capital Improvement Grant. Please contact Chelsea Bardot Lewis at 802-828-3360 for more information.

B. Eligibility and Program Goals

The goals of the GAP Capital Improvement Grant Program are to increase sales of Vermont fruits and vegetables by maintaining or increasing market access and promoting food safety. To be eligible for funding the participant must be in good standing with the Agency of Agriculture regarding regulatory requirements and resulting penalties.

Current GAP-certified producers, or those who are looking towards GAP certification are eligible. By June 30, 2012, producers must either 1) obtain GAP certification; 2) create a food safety plan that will bring them closer to their goal of GAP certification; or 3) have an appointment with a GAP auditor to begin the audit process.

Pre-approved uses for this grant include: Water systems, delivery and treatment devices and improvements Fixed or portable restrooms Hand-washing sinks (mobile or stationary) Crop production equipment to reduce food safety risks Field harvest systems to reduce food safety risks

Cooler walls and refrigeration units Packing-shed walls, ceilings, and light fixtures Drainage systems in coolers and packing sheds Fencing

Additional uses may be proposed.

C. Application and Review Process

The full application format is provided below. This grant application must be fully completed, signed, and submitted to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, hereby referred to as the Agency, for eligibility. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee composed of representatives of the Agency, UVM-Extension, NOFA-VT, and producer groups.

If selected, you will be notified by the Agency. We expect to notify applicants of funding decisions within 4 weeks of the application receipt. Successful applicants will have to sign grant agreements and submit W-9 forms to the Agency before funds can be disbursed.

Application Instructions

1. Fill out the cover sheet

2. Answer the application questions.

3. Fill out the one-page budget form, and attach a budget narrative, showing and describing the sources and uses of funding for your project. Be sure to show the required 50% funding match from sources other than the GAP Capital Improvements Grant Program.

4. Mail or email the completed application materials to:

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

116 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05602

Email: chelsea.lewis@state.vt.us  Email Chelsea Lewis to get the application forms.

Application assistance: If you need assistance with your application, please contact Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Agriculture Development Coordinator at 802-828-3360 or chelsea.lewis@state.vt.us.

FEMA News Release

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT FEMA, NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR


BURLINGTON, VT – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recently incorporated the latest high-tech ways of getting the word out about disaster assistance, including websites, mobile applications and cell phones. However, one of the best ways to spread information is still the old-fashioned way: word-of-mouth.

That’s why officials from FEMA and Vermont Emergency Management are encouraging Vermonters who have experienced damage from the spring flooding and already registered for disaster assistance to let their friends and neighbors know that help may be available.

“Vermont is the kind of state where we talk to our neighbors,” said VEM’s director Mike O’Neil. “So if you know someone who has experienced damage from the recent flooding, encourage them to register for disaster assistance.”

To register for disaster assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual registration assistance is also available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly, or 800-621-3362, if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Registration can also be done online anytime at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or through web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones at m.fema.gov.

“I couldn’t believe I was the only one on my block to apply,” said Laurie Singer of Essex, VT. Singer’s foundation was inundated with ground-flooding, which damaged her boiler and hot-water heater. “When I told my neighbors they should apply, they didn’t think they would get anything. I applied on a Thursday, and a week later, the funds to replace and repair the damage were in my bank account. I was really impressed by how efficiently FEMA has been handling the flooding. I knocked on doors, and told my neighbors because some of them had more damage than I did.”

“Even if you think you may not be eligible, you should register and find out,” said FEMA’s federal coordinating officer Craig Gilbert. “FEMA assistance includes programs from many different agencies and organizations.”

FEMA grants may cover rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. The objective is to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental and transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not covered by insurance. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Also, up to $2 million may be available for businesses and nonprofit organizations for their uncompensated disaster losses.

No one is obligated to accept a loan. However, a completed SBA loan application may open the door to other possible forms of assistance.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from http://www.sba.gov/ or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

June Forums to Focus on State Comprehensive Energy Plan Update

June Forums to Focus on State Comprehensive Energy Plan Update

***Your input is needed!***

Goal: Comprehensive Energy Plan to be Completed &

on Governor’s desk by Oct 15;

Implementation of VT’s Energy Plan is the central piece of this work!

Community energy committee leaders, planners and the general public are all invited to attend one of the following:

§  June 1 — Montpelier — 6-9 p.m. National Life. Co-hosted by the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and Two Rivers Ottauquechee Planning Commission

§  June 9 — Springfield - Riverside Middle School — 6-9 p.m. In cooperation with Windham Regional Commission, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission and the Two Rivers Ottauquechee Planning Commission

§  June 16 — Rutland — Leahy Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center — 6-9 p.m. Co-hosted by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Addison County Regional Planning Commission and Bennington County Planning Commission

      To guide the state in making some complex and strategic choices on how Vermont will meet its energy needs far into the future, the Department of Public Service recently commenced a much-needed update to Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan, last officially adopted in 1998.  Without a current, comprehensive and coordinated approach to meeting our energy needs, Vermont will face significant challenges. Without the active participation of Vermonters in identifying and implementing solutions, the necessary planning and accompanying action will be even harder.

To hear from Vermonters on this important topic, the DPS recently held two initial public stakeholder meetings on the plan. Now, prior to a more aggressive public outreach, public hearings, and official public comment period in August, the DPS is hosting a series of gatherings in a handful of regions across Vermont to hear from energy-interested Vermonter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

In cooperation with regional planning commissions, the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) and the Vermont Natural Resources Council, the DPS is coordinating four focused forums to hear from Vermonters, including the network of 100 community energy committees, about the policies, programs and practices that would help Vermont meet its energy goals.

The DPS is also coordinating closely with other state agencies that have important roles to play in the conversation, including the agencies of natural resources, transportation, commerce and community development and agriculture, among others. The DPS hopes to get specific feedback on strategies for Vermont to address

·       energy issues

·       energy opportunities

·       All associated with

1.    how we develop and use our land,

2.    how we move people,

3.    how we use and conserve energy

4.    and how we generate new supplies. 

The DPS wants to hear about plans already in place at the regional and town level and about practices that have started to make a difference for Vermont’s energy future.

Please join the Department of Public Service and other forum conveners to share your ideas, concerns and questions on the state energy plan. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to weigh in and offer specific suggestions to shape Vermont’s energy future.

Please save one of these date and plan to join the conversation. June 1, June 9 or June 16.

For more information contact: Kelly Launder, Asst. Dir. Planning & Energy Resources Division, Vermont Dept. of Public Service, 802-828-4039, kelly.launder@state.vt.us or Johanna Miller, VNRC Energy Program Dir. & VECAN Coordinator at 802-223-2328 ext. 112 or jmiller@vnrc.org or Nancy Nottermann, CVRPC Energy Coordinator at 802-229-0389  or nottermann@cvregion.com for the June 1 Forum.

Northfield Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Northfield's Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently being updated and available for review and comments. Please contact Jennifer at mojo@cvregion.com if you would like to review and make comments.

Build Your Best Future--Heart and Soul Community Planning

Build Your Best Future

Submit a Heart & Soul Community Planning Proposal

Are you looking for a way to help your community realize its potential and create a better future?

Orton has issued a Request for Proposals seeking four Heart & Soul Community Planning project towns in the Northeast and Rocky Mountains. Selected towns will be eligible for up to $100K in funding and support from the Foundation.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get engaged, define your path, and prepare your community for all the change that lies ahead.

Read the complete RFP  www.orton.org/projects/rfp


Proposals are due July 20, 2011.

We’re also hosting a FREE conference call series designed to help you understand the essential elements of Heart & Soul, and what you’ll need to prepare a proposal. The series begins on May 4th, so register today!

Lcoal Food System Presentation, Waitsfield

Local Food System Presentation

5/10 - 7 PM Big Picture -

How can Vermont build strong local and regional food systems, create jobs in the food
and farm economy, and improve access to healthy local food? The Vermont
Sustainable Jobs Fund has laid out an impressive road map for the next 10
years of agricultural development with the release of the Farm to Plate (F2P)
Strategic Plan in January 2011. Ellen Kahler, Executive Director Vermont
Sustainable Jobs Fund, will lead this presentation to discuss the findings of
the Initiative's exhaustive 18-month research project and present their
strategies to increase jobs and enterprises in the farm and food sector and
ramp up local food production and consumption in Vermont and regions
beyond our borders. Current Mad River Valley initiatives will be discussed.
This presentation is cosponsored by Mad River Localvore Project and
MRVPD.

Woodland Landowner Summit

Woodland Landowner Summit

4/30/2011 Fairlee – The VT Dept. of Forests

Parks & Recreation and VNRC are cosponsoring a daylong summit entitled
Keeping Forests for the Future: Planning a Legacy for your Woodland at
Lake Morey Inn. The day will be packed with useful information for both
landowners and professionals who work with landowners to learn about ways
to plan ahead for the long-term viability of forests in Vermont. The day will
include: Aa panel of landowners discussing long-term planning they have
done to prepare for transfer of land from one generation to the next; Sessions
to help landowners and resource professionals understand options for longterm
planning such as talking to children about long-term forest ownership,
forming limited liability corporations, exploring easements, cooperative
forestland ownership, and much more. Estate planning lawyers, financial
planners and other experts will help lead the workshops; Information for
landowners that donʼt have heirs and are wondering what to do, as well as
information for landowners whose children are not interested in the family
property. For more info visit: http://www.vnrc.org/forest/landowner-summit.

Historic Preservation and Downtown Conference April 29, 2011

This year the VT Division for Historic Preservation will be combining its two

statewide conferences into one, providing three specific education tracks:
The Historic Track will be of interest to Historical Societies, Byway
communities, heritage tourism groups, to those interested in history and
historic preservation, and to those wanting to learn more about Poultney. The
Streets as Places Track introduces "placemaking" - the art of transforming
public spaces into vibrant community places - within the context of streets
that are vital to all of our downtowns, villages and neighborhoods. The
Downtown Revitalization Track will present various tools to assist in the
revitalization efforts of your downtown or village center. For more info visit:
http://www.historicvermont.org/programs/DowntownConference2011.html.
 
Thanks to Joshua Schwartz of the Mad River Valley Planning District for this summary.

Hazard Mitigation Drafts Available for Comment and Review

Roxbury and Worcester are updating their Hazard Mitigation Plans. Draft copies are available for review and comment through CVRPC. Please contact Jen at mojo@cvregion.com if you would like to review and submit comments for these draft plans before they are reviewed by VEM and FEMA.

GMTA TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN PUBLIC HEARINGS


The Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) and Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) will be holding public hearings to receive comments on the Transit Development Plan (TDP) which addresses the future of GMTA services. Each meeting is open to the general public, on GMTA bus routes and ADA accessible. GMTA encourages all residents within the central Vermont region to attend and offer comments on the proposed plan.

GMTA TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN PUBLIC HEARINGS

BARRE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 29 2:00 BARRE CITY HALL

6 N. Main Street

MONTPELIER MARCH 29 5:00 CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION OFFICE

29 Main St # 4 (see location map below)

For more information, contact CVRPC Senior Transportation Planner Steve Gladczuk, 802-229-0389.  For those who cannot attend but wish to provide comments, please contact info@gmtaride.org or call 802.223.7287. To view the TDP on line, go to http://www.gmtaride.org/resources/transit-docs.html. Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate may contact GMTA at 802-223-7287 at least 48 hours in advance so that arrangements can be made.

FEMA/VEM Pre Disaster Mitigation Workshop

Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) and FEMA Region 1 will be conducting a comprehensive Local Mitigation Planning Workshop at VEM’s temporary offices in Waterbury on Wednesday, March 23. Please mark your calendars accordingly. The training will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM in VEM’s temporary Emergency Operations Center, located in the lower level of the Weeks Building in the state office complex in Waterbury; a convenient map is attached to assist you in finding the entrance. You may also enter the Weeks Building from the main front entrance and then descend to the lower level. Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost to attend the workshop. As parking space is at a premium at the state office complex, it is advisable to give yourself extra time in the morning to find a parking spot.

The training will cover the following elements: single jurisdictional (stand alone) mitigation plans, multijurisdictional plans, updated FEMA guidance and simplified checklists, etc. We encourage all local, regional and state planning staff to attend this important workshop. Please pass along this announcement to any town officials or other interested parties which may benefit from attending the training.

Please confirm your participation in the workshop by sending Ray Doherty (rdoherty@dps.state.vt.us) an e-mail message no later than March 7, 2011.

Central Vermont Energy Program

CVRPC has received notification from the U.S. Department of Energy that the weatherization funds in the CVRPC energy grant have been released. Local officials of the towns participating in the Central VT Energy Program have been notified that these funds are available for the work on municipal buildings as recommended in the energy audits done this past summer. For more information, contact Laurie Emery at CVRPC; emery@cvregion.com or call 802/229-0389. CVRPC is looking forward to the completion of this work and the resulting savings in energy for the participating municipalities in Central Vermont.

Vermont Public Transit Policy Plan Update - Public Meetings

Come share your views on public transit services and needs in Vermont! Public transit plays a vital role in the high quality of life that Vermonters enjoy and we need your help.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is currently updating their Vermont Public Transit Policy Plan (PTPP). The purpose of the PTPP is to review and update transit polices and goals and to develop strategies to meet current and emerging public transit challenges over the next 10 years.

As part of this process, VTrans is hold a series of public meetings to help shape the vision for the state's transit system and to identify and explore issues that should be addressed to realize that vision. A second round of public meetings in November will present the proposed plan to the public and interested parties and to gather public comment.

All meetings will begin at 7:00 pm. The schedule for the meetings is:

2/7/11 Vermont Interactive Television (VIT) sites throughout VT including Bennington, Brattleboro, Castleton, Johnson, Lyndonville, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Center, Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, Waterbury, White River Junction, Williston.
For location information and directions go to: http://www.vitlink.org/location or call: 802-728-1455

2/8/11 Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
29 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
Directions: http://www.centralvtplanning.org/montbase.JPG

2/9/11 Connecticut River Transit (CRT)- The Current 706 Rockingham Road, Rockingham, Vermont 05101
Directions: http://www.crtransit.org/contact/contact_info.html

Central Vermont Regional Energy Forum

Wednesday, Feb 16, 6PM. until 9 p.m. at Montpelier City Hall in the Memorial Room. Hers' a snapshot of the agenda:

6:00 - The first 1/2 hour will be for nibbles and socializing.
6:30 - We will ask each town to provide an update on their efforts: who knows, you may find a town to collaborate with!
7:15 - A presentation by Brian Shupe of VNRC, who will overview the 'hot-off-the-presses' Energy Planning and Implementation Guide - a tool designed to help motivated communities harness their town plans - with support - to address energy-saving, energy-generating opportunities.
7:45 - A presentation about the online Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont by Scott Sawyer of the VT Sustainable Jobs Fund. This tool is an incredible resource for energy groups, planners and more.
8:15 - Q& A
8:35 - A legislative snapshot
8:45 - Next steps

Please join us for an informative and fun evening!