The Vermont Agency of Transportation announced that 22 schools received a total of $1.3 Million in Infrastructure Awards through the Agency's Safe Routes to School Program. "Safe Routes to School is about kids walking and biking to school regularly, routinely, and safely," said VTrans Secretary David Dill. "The program is an opportunity to have schools and comminities work together to solve some of the pressing safety, environmental and health challenges."
Schools that receiving grants in the CVRPC area include:
Warren School for radar feedback signs and feasibility study.
Moretown Elementary School for installing radar signs, upgrading signage and crosswalk markings.
Waitsfield Elementary for upgrades to school signs, radar feedback signs, and intersection improvement near school.
For additional infromation about the selection of these projects or participation in the Safe Routes to School program, please contact Amie Pope at (802) 828-5799 or at aimee.pope@state.vt.us
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
River Corridor Management Program, Vermont
The following is a summary of the river corridor and riparian buffer-related changes in Vermont law (10 V.S.A. Chapter 49 and 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117) as a result of the passage of Act 110 in May of 2010. In several parts of this summary, entire lists and their introductory paragraphs from pre-existing State Statute are presented for the sake of context and clarity, using underlining to indicate the new language enacted as part of Act 110. Unless otherwise noted, the following Vermont law takes effect on July 1, 2010:
It is in the public interest to encourage and promote protected river corridors and buffers adjacent to rivers and streams of the state, where:
“River corridor” means the land area adjacent to a river that is required to accommodate the dimensions, slope, planform, and buffer of the naturally stable channel, and necessary to maintain or restore fluvial equilibrium conditions and minimize fluvial erosion hazards, as delineated by the agency of natural resources in accordance with river corridor protection procedures.
“Buffer” means an undisturbed area consisting of trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, duff layer, and generally uneven ground surface that extends a specified distance horizontally across the surface of the land from the mean water level of an adjacent lake or from the top of the bank of an adjacent river or stream, as determined by the secretary of natural resources.
It is in the public interest to establish policies, plans, and rules that encourage and promote protected river corridors and buffers for the following purposes:
further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions;
prevent and control water pollution;
protect spawning grounds, fish, and aquatic life;
control building sites, placement of structures, and land uses;
reduce property loss and damage;
preserve shore cover, natural beauty, and natural stability; and
provide for multiple uses of the waters in a manner to provide for the best interests of the citizens of the state.
A River Corridor Management Program will be established by the ANR Secretary to aid and support the municipal adoption of river corridor and buffer bylaws.
No later than February 1, 2011, state financial incentives shall be offered to municipalities through existing grants and pass-through funding programs which encourage municipal adoption and implementation of zoning bylaws that protect river corridors and buffers. The Agency of Natural Resources will define the minimum standards for a municipality to be eligible for financial incentives.
Under the River Corridor Management Program, beginning February 1, 2011, the secretary shall:
(1) upon request, provide municipalities with maps of designated river corridors within the municipality. A river corridor map provided to a municipality shall delineate a recommended buffer that is based on site-specific conditions. The secretary shall provide maps under this subdivision based on a priority schedule established by the secretary in procedure; and
(2) develop recommended best management practices for the management of river corridors and buffers.
Municipal zoning bylaws may permit, prohibit, restrict, regulate, and determine land development, including the following:
(1) Specific uses of land and shoreland facilities;
(2) Dimensions, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal, and use of structures;
(3) Areas and dimensions of land to be occupied by uses and structures, as well as areas, courts, yards, and other open spaces and distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures;
(4) Timing or sequence of growth, density of population, and intensity of use;
(5) Uses within a river corridor and buffer, as those terms are (now) defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427.
Municipal Zoning
Provisions of zoning bylaws must be uniform for each class of use or structure within each zoning district, except that additional classifications may be made within any district to regulate, restrict, or prohibit uses or structures at or near any of the following:
(A) Major thoroughfares, their intersections and interchanges, and transportation arteries.
(B) Natural or artificial bodies of water.
(C) Places of relatively steep slope or grade.
(D) Public buildings and public grounds.
(E) Aircraft and helicopter facilities.
(F) Places having unique patriotic, ecological, historical, archaeological, or community interest or value, or located within scenic or design control districts.
(G) Flood, fluvial erosion, or other hazard areas and other places having a special character or use affecting or affected by their surroundings.
(H) River corridors and buffers, as those terms are defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427.
A municipality may define different and separate zoning districts, and identify within these districts which land uses are permitted as of right, and which are conditional uses requiring review and approval. The list of districts now includes:
River Corridors and Buffers A municipality may adopt bylaws to protect river corridors and buffers, as those terms are (now) defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427, in order to:
protect public safety; prevent and control water pollution;
prevent and control stormwater runoff;
preserve and protect wetlands and waterways;
maintain and protect natural channel, streambank, and floodplain stability;
minimize fluvial erosion and damage to property and transportation infrastructure;
preserve and protect the habitat of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife;
promote open space and aesthetics; and
achieve other municipal, regional, or state conservation and development objectives for river corridors and buffers.
River corridor and buffer bylaws may:
regulate the design and location of development;
control the location of buildings;
require the provision and maintenance or reestablishment of vegetation, including no net loss of vegetation;
require screening of development or use from waters; and
reserve existing public access to public waters.
It is in the public interest to encourage and promote protected river corridors and buffers adjacent to rivers and streams of the state, where:
“River corridor” means the land area adjacent to a river that is required to accommodate the dimensions, slope, planform, and buffer of the naturally stable channel, and necessary to maintain or restore fluvial equilibrium conditions and minimize fluvial erosion hazards, as delineated by the agency of natural resources in accordance with river corridor protection procedures.
“Buffer” means an undisturbed area consisting of trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, duff layer, and generally uneven ground surface that extends a specified distance horizontally across the surface of the land from the mean water level of an adjacent lake or from the top of the bank of an adjacent river or stream, as determined by the secretary of natural resources.
It is in the public interest to establish policies, plans, and rules that encourage and promote protected river corridors and buffers for the following purposes:
further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions;
prevent and control water pollution;
protect spawning grounds, fish, and aquatic life;
control building sites, placement of structures, and land uses;
reduce property loss and damage;
preserve shore cover, natural beauty, and natural stability; and
provide for multiple uses of the waters in a manner to provide for the best interests of the citizens of the state.
A River Corridor Management Program will be established by the ANR Secretary to aid and support the municipal adoption of river corridor and buffer bylaws.
No later than February 1, 2011, state financial incentives shall be offered to municipalities through existing grants and pass-through funding programs which encourage municipal adoption and implementation of zoning bylaws that protect river corridors and buffers. The Agency of Natural Resources will define the minimum standards for a municipality to be eligible for financial incentives.
Under the River Corridor Management Program, beginning February 1, 2011, the secretary shall:
(1) upon request, provide municipalities with maps of designated river corridors within the municipality. A river corridor map provided to a municipality shall delineate a recommended buffer that is based on site-specific conditions. The secretary shall provide maps under this subdivision based on a priority schedule established by the secretary in procedure; and
(2) develop recommended best management practices for the management of river corridors and buffers.
Municipal zoning bylaws may permit, prohibit, restrict, regulate, and determine land development, including the following:
(1) Specific uses of land and shoreland facilities;
(2) Dimensions, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal, and use of structures;
(3) Areas and dimensions of land to be occupied by uses and structures, as well as areas, courts, yards, and other open spaces and distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures;
(4) Timing or sequence of growth, density of population, and intensity of use;
(5) Uses within a river corridor and buffer, as those terms are (now) defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427.
Municipal Zoning
Provisions of zoning bylaws must be uniform for each class of use or structure within each zoning district, except that additional classifications may be made within any district to regulate, restrict, or prohibit uses or structures at or near any of the following:
(A) Major thoroughfares, their intersections and interchanges, and transportation arteries.
(B) Natural or artificial bodies of water.
(C) Places of relatively steep slope or grade.
(D) Public buildings and public grounds.
(E) Aircraft and helicopter facilities.
(F) Places having unique patriotic, ecological, historical, archaeological, or community interest or value, or located within scenic or design control districts.
(G) Flood, fluvial erosion, or other hazard areas and other places having a special character or use affecting or affected by their surroundings.
(H) River corridors and buffers, as those terms are defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427.
A municipality may define different and separate zoning districts, and identify within these districts which land uses are permitted as of right, and which are conditional uses requiring review and approval. The list of districts now includes:
River Corridors and Buffers A municipality may adopt bylaws to protect river corridors and buffers, as those terms are (now) defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427, in order to:
protect public safety; prevent and control water pollution;
prevent and control stormwater runoff;
preserve and protect wetlands and waterways;
maintain and protect natural channel, streambank, and floodplain stability;
minimize fluvial erosion and damage to property and transportation infrastructure;
preserve and protect the habitat of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife;
promote open space and aesthetics; and
achieve other municipal, regional, or state conservation and development objectives for river corridors and buffers.
River corridor and buffer bylaws may:
regulate the design and location of development;
control the location of buildings;
require the provision and maintenance or reestablishment of vegetation, including no net loss of vegetation;
require screening of development or use from waters; and
reserve existing public access to public waters.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sustainable Communities Grants - HUD funding
During a keynote address to The Atlantic's inaugural Future of the City Forum in Washington, D.C., U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that HUD is launching a $100 million Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program, the first of its kind designed to create stronger, more sustainable communities by connecting housing to jobs, fostering local innovation and building a clean energy economy.
The Regional Planning grants will be awarded competitively to multi-jurisdictional and multi-sector partnerships as well as regional consortia consisting of state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), educational institutions, non-profit organizations and philanthropic organizations. The funding was approved by Congress for the first time in HUD's 2010 budget, as part of a $200 million fund for the agency's new Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities. To read the full text of HUD's funding announcement, visit HUD's Sustainability website.
"At HUD, and across the Administration, we believe that the "future of the city" is tied to the future of the region-the cities, suburbs and rural areas that surround them, and that America's ability to compete and create jobs in the 21st century depends on our metro regions," said Donovan. "That is why I am proud to say we are taking another big step forward in the Obama Administration's efforts to encourage more sustainable development as I announce $100 million for our new Sustainable Regional Planning Grant program for regions to integrate economic development, land use, and transportation investments."
"The Sustainable Communities Partnership is one part of President Obama's broader urban and metropolitan agenda, which aims to break down traditional silos and ensure that federal programs and policies across all agencies better respond to the unique needs of specific communities," said Melody Barnes, President Obama's Domestic Policy Adviser. "The Administration's efforts aim to develop urban and metropolitan areas that are economically competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive."
The funding being announced today will support regional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments in a manner that empowers jurisdictions to consider the interdependent challenges of economic competitiveness and revitalization; social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; energy use and climate change; as well as public health and environmental impacts. The program places a priority on partnerships, including nontraditional partnerships including arts and culture, philanthropy, and bringing new voices to the regional planning process.
The program will support a number of activities related to the development and implementation of integrated long-range regional plans including, but not limited to:
identifying affordable housing, transportation investment, water
infrastructure, economic development, land use planning,
environmental conservation, energy system, open space, and other
infrastructure priorities for the region;
establishing performance goals and measures;
providing detailed plans, policies, and implementation strategies
to be implemented by all participating jurisdictions over time to
meet planning goals;
engaging residents and stakeholders substantively and meaningfully
in the development of the shared vision and its implementation.
The program builds on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an innovative interagency collaboration, launched by President Obama in June 2009, between the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide more sustainable housing and transportation choices for families and lay the foundation for a 21st century economy. Guided by six Livability Principles, the Partnership is designed to remove the traditional silos that exist between federal departments and strategically target the agencies' transportation, land use, environmental, housing and community development resources to provide communities the resources they need to build more livable, sustainable communities.
Recognizing that areas are in different stages of achieving sustainability, HUD established two funding categories for the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program. Category 1 Funds can be used to support the preparation of Regional Plans for Sustainable Development. Category 2 Funds can be used to support efforts to fine-tune existing regional plans so that they address the Partnership's Livability Principles, to prepare more detailed execution plans for an adopted Regional Plan for Sustainable Development, and limited predevelopment planning activities for catalytic projects. Of the funds available, $2 million will be reserved for capacity support grants distributed separately, and not less than $25 million will be awarded to regions with populations of less than 500,000.
Ultimately, this regional planning initiative will provide a blueprint for public and private investment decisions that will support a more sustainable future for a region. The size of grants awarded will be determined by the size of the applicants geographic area, whether a large metropolitan region or a smaller rural community. Grant applications, which will be reviewed not only by HUD, but also by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, are due August 23, 2010.
To demonstrate HUD's commitment to listening and learning, HUD issued an advance Notice of Funding Availability in February 2010, which was posted on the Federal Register for 21 days for public comment and feedback. Many of the comments received through that process where integrated into the final Notice.
In addition, Secretary Donovan and HUD are committed to providing the highest level of transparency possible as the Office of Sustainable Communities works to streamline federal investments. HUD's new sustainability website will allow tax payers to see where funds are being spent and hold federal leaders accountable, and for local partners to access valuable information and resources.
###
HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov
The Regional Planning grants will be awarded competitively to multi-jurisdictional and multi-sector partnerships as well as regional consortia consisting of state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), educational institutions, non-profit organizations and philanthropic organizations. The funding was approved by Congress for the first time in HUD's 2010 budget, as part of a $200 million fund for the agency's new Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities. To read the full text of HUD's funding announcement, visit HUD's Sustainability website.
"At HUD, and across the Administration, we believe that the "future of the city" is tied to the future of the region-the cities, suburbs and rural areas that surround them, and that America's ability to compete and create jobs in the 21st century depends on our metro regions," said Donovan. "That is why I am proud to say we are taking another big step forward in the Obama Administration's efforts to encourage more sustainable development as I announce $100 million for our new Sustainable Regional Planning Grant program for regions to integrate economic development, land use, and transportation investments."
"The Sustainable Communities Partnership is one part of President Obama's broader urban and metropolitan agenda, which aims to break down traditional silos and ensure that federal programs and policies across all agencies better respond to the unique needs of specific communities," said Melody Barnes, President Obama's Domestic Policy Adviser. "The Administration's efforts aim to develop urban and metropolitan areas that are economically competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive."
The funding being announced today will support regional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments in a manner that empowers jurisdictions to consider the interdependent challenges of economic competitiveness and revitalization; social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; energy use and climate change; as well as public health and environmental impacts. The program places a priority on partnerships, including nontraditional partnerships including arts and culture, philanthropy, and bringing new voices to the regional planning process.
The program will support a number of activities related to the development and implementation of integrated long-range regional plans including, but not limited to:
identifying affordable housing, transportation investment, water
infrastructure, economic development, land use planning,
environmental conservation, energy system, open space, and other
infrastructure priorities for the region;
establishing performance goals and measures;
providing detailed plans, policies, and implementation strategies
to be implemented by all participating jurisdictions over time to
meet planning goals;
engaging residents and stakeholders substantively and meaningfully
in the development of the shared vision and its implementation.
The program builds on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an innovative interagency collaboration, launched by President Obama in June 2009, between the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide more sustainable housing and transportation choices for families and lay the foundation for a 21st century economy. Guided by six Livability Principles, the Partnership is designed to remove the traditional silos that exist between federal departments and strategically target the agencies' transportation, land use, environmental, housing and community development resources to provide communities the resources they need to build more livable, sustainable communities.
Recognizing that areas are in different stages of achieving sustainability, HUD established two funding categories for the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program. Category 1 Funds can be used to support the preparation of Regional Plans for Sustainable Development. Category 2 Funds can be used to support efforts to fine-tune existing regional plans so that they address the Partnership's Livability Principles, to prepare more detailed execution plans for an adopted Regional Plan for Sustainable Development, and limited predevelopment planning activities for catalytic projects. Of the funds available, $2 million will be reserved for capacity support grants distributed separately, and not less than $25 million will be awarded to regions with populations of less than 500,000.
Ultimately, this regional planning initiative will provide a blueprint for public and private investment decisions that will support a more sustainable future for a region. The size of grants awarded will be determined by the size of the applicants geographic area, whether a large metropolitan region or a smaller rural community. Grant applications, which will be reviewed not only by HUD, but also by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, are due August 23, 2010.
To demonstrate HUD's commitment to listening and learning, HUD issued an advance Notice of Funding Availability in February 2010, which was posted on the Federal Register for 21 days for public comment and feedback. Many of the comments received through that process where integrated into the final Notice.
In addition, Secretary Donovan and HUD are committed to providing the highest level of transparency possible as the Office of Sustainable Communities works to streamline federal investments. HUD's new sustainability website will allow tax payers to see where funds are being spent and hold federal leaders accountable, and for local partners to access valuable information and resources.
###
HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov
Monday, June 7, 2010
Weatherization Skill Shops
Do-It-Yourself Weatherization Skill shops and Home Energy Efficiency Program
Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) is organizing a series of day-long Weatherization Skillshops in nine locations statewide for do-it-yourselfers on how to weatherize their homes. These skillshops are being organizing in partnership with the Adult Technical Education Centers throughout the state. The first two skillshops are coming right up in your area -- these are:
June 12 Barre Technical Center, Barre
June 19 St. Johnsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury
Skillshop participants will learn the core fundamentals and hands-on techniques needed to improve building efficiency on their own, including background on building science, how-to demonstrations, and hands-on skill building. The weatherization skillshop consists of three distinct modules:
Air-sealing and insulating attics,
Air-sealing windows and doors, and
Air-sealing and insulating basements.
Participants will learn how to choose the right energy saving products and tools for basic projects and how to safely and effectively use materials.
The cost of the skillshops is $150 – which includes $100 in weatherization tools, supplies, and resources – and lunch. CVCAC gratefully acknowledges the support of the High Meadows Foundation for underwriting a portion of the costs of the skillshops. Attached please find a flier about the skillshops to distribute to interested participants. We have only space for 15-20 participants at each workshop – so please encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up today through the following link www.weatherizationskillshop.com or by calling Laurie Fielder at 802 476 2093 x116.
At each Skillshop, participants will get the opportunity to sign up for the DIY Home Energy Efficiency Pilot Program, a new program being launched to help do-it-yourselfers work under the guidance of a certified home performance contractor and gain access to home performance incentives. CVCAC has partnered with Efficiency Vermont to ensure that the homeowner's work meets efficiency standards and thus qualifies for incentives.
Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) is organizing a series of day-long Weatherization Skillshops in nine locations statewide for do-it-yourselfers on how to weatherize their homes. These skillshops are being organizing in partnership with the Adult Technical Education Centers throughout the state. The first two skillshops are coming right up in your area -- these are:
June 12 Barre Technical Center, Barre
June 19 St. Johnsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury
Skillshop participants will learn the core fundamentals and hands-on techniques needed to improve building efficiency on their own, including background on building science, how-to demonstrations, and hands-on skill building. The weatherization skillshop consists of three distinct modules:
Air-sealing and insulating attics,
Air-sealing windows and doors, and
Air-sealing and insulating basements.
Participants will learn how to choose the right energy saving products and tools for basic projects and how to safely and effectively use materials.
The cost of the skillshops is $150 – which includes $100 in weatherization tools, supplies, and resources – and lunch. CVCAC gratefully acknowledges the support of the High Meadows Foundation for underwriting a portion of the costs of the skillshops. Attached please find a flier about the skillshops to distribute to interested participants. We have only space for 15-20 participants at each workshop – so please encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up today through the following link www.weatherizationskillshop.com or by calling Laurie Fielder at 802 476 2093 x116.
At each Skillshop, participants will get the opportunity to sign up for the DIY Home Energy Efficiency Pilot Program, a new program being launched to help do-it-yourselfers work under the guidance of a certified home performance contractor and gain access to home performance incentives. CVCAC has partnered with Efficiency Vermont to ensure that the homeowner's work meets efficiency standards and thus qualifies for incentives.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Biomass Forums June 9, 2010
Public Forums on the
Role of Forests in Vermont’s Energy Future
More and more Vermonters are seeking homegrown solutions to meet our energy needs. A diverse collaborative of stakeholders is convening a series of public forums to add to the dialogue about how Vermont communities might harness the potential of forest biomass to help provide renewable energy on a sustainable basis. The goal of these forums is to engage Vermonters in a conversation that looks at how wood from our forests can produce efficient, renewable energy while ensuring long-term forest health and maximizing benefits to communities. These forums are intended to serve as an opportunity to hear from Vermonters about their interests, concerns, and hopes for biomass in Vermont. In addition, our goal is to elevate public awareness about important biomass energy issues including maintaining forest health, maximizing efficiency, and balancing the social, environmental and economic costs and benefits of forest biomass energy.
When and Where:
June 9, 2010 — 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Montpelier — Vermont State House (Rooms 10 and 11)
July 8, 2010 – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – White River Jct. — Bugbee Senior Center
Sponsors:
These public forums are sponsored by the Biomass Energy Resource Center, Forest Guild, National Wildlife Federation, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club, Vermont Natural Resources Council and Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. The Addison County Regional Planning Commission, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, and the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission are co-sponsoring the forums in their districts.
NOTE: For geographic distribution we are hosting three forums — all covering the same topic and with the same speakers.
Role of Forests in Vermont’s Energy Future
More and more Vermonters are seeking homegrown solutions to meet our energy needs. A diverse collaborative of stakeholders is convening a series of public forums to add to the dialogue about how Vermont communities might harness the potential of forest biomass to help provide renewable energy on a sustainable basis. The goal of these forums is to engage Vermonters in a conversation that looks at how wood from our forests can produce efficient, renewable energy while ensuring long-term forest health and maximizing benefits to communities. These forums are intended to serve as an opportunity to hear from Vermonters about their interests, concerns, and hopes for biomass in Vermont. In addition, our goal is to elevate public awareness about important biomass energy issues including maintaining forest health, maximizing efficiency, and balancing the social, environmental and economic costs and benefits of forest biomass energy.
When and Where:
June 9, 2010 — 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Montpelier — Vermont State House (Rooms 10 and 11)
July 8, 2010 – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – White River Jct. — Bugbee Senior Center
Sponsors:
These public forums are sponsored by the Biomass Energy Resource Center, Forest Guild, National Wildlife Federation, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club, Vermont Natural Resources Council and Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. The Addison County Regional Planning Commission, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, and the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission are co-sponsoring the forums in their districts.
NOTE: For geographic distribution we are hosting three forums — all covering the same topic and with the same speakers.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Central Vermont Energy Program Update
Building Energy of Williston has been selected as the energy and lighting auditing firm to do the audits on the municipal buildings enrolled in the CVEP. The municipalities enrolled include: Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin, Cabot, Duxbury, East Montpelier, Fayston, Marshfield, Middlesex, Montpelier, Moretown, Northfield, Orange, Plainfield, Roxbury, Waitsfield, Warren, Washington, Woodbury, and Worcester. Nearly all of these towns are having municipal buildings audited for ways to save on lighting and heating costs. Several towns have had energy audits done and are only enrolled for weatherization assistance.
Building Energy has emailed questionnaires about the 36 municipal buildings that are enrolled in the Program in order to collect data on current heating and electrical costs, building size and age, and other details that are important to completing a thorough audit. If you are the energy coordinator or energy contact person for your community and have not yet received this questionnaire, please contact Laurie Emery (emery@cvregion.com) at CVRPC.
Another aspect of CVRPC’s energy program is having a regional energy coordinator available to assist communities with their energy committees and where there is no energy committee, assist in getting one started. The regional energy coordinator will also provide assistance and direction with the recommendations contained in the energy audits and direct officials to resources to help with energy projects that could be implemented community-wide. CVRPC has signed a contract with Nancy Nottermann who will be available part time at CVPRC’s office (229-0389) or through email at cvrpc@cvregion.com. Nancy will be doing outreach first to those communities who do not have an energy committee, but to all communities with help implementing energy savings.
Finally, the weatherization reimbursement program that is part of the CVEP will begin in the fall when the available dollars to partially reimburse towns for simple weatherization projects will become available. More details will be forthcoming in the next few months. If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Emery or Nancy Nottermann.
Building Energy has emailed questionnaires about the 36 municipal buildings that are enrolled in the Program in order to collect data on current heating and electrical costs, building size and age, and other details that are important to completing a thorough audit. If you are the energy coordinator or energy contact person for your community and have not yet received this questionnaire, please contact Laurie Emery (emery@cvregion.com) at CVRPC.
Another aspect of CVRPC’s energy program is having a regional energy coordinator available to assist communities with their energy committees and where there is no energy committee, assist in getting one started. The regional energy coordinator will also provide assistance and direction with the recommendations contained in the energy audits and direct officials to resources to help with energy projects that could be implemented community-wide. CVRPC has signed a contract with Nancy Nottermann who will be available part time at CVPRC’s office (229-0389) or through email at cvrpc@cvregion.com. Nancy will be doing outreach first to those communities who do not have an energy committee, but to all communities with help implementing energy savings.
Finally, the weatherization reimbursement program that is part of the CVEP will begin in the fall when the available dollars to partially reimburse towns for simple weatherization projects will become available. More details will be forthcoming in the next few months. If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Emery or Nancy Nottermann.
Challenges for Change - Thank you!
Thank you to all of the Commissioners, Selectboard members, Planning Commission members, Municipal Managers and Administrators, and Municipal Planners who contacted our legislators to support regional and municipal planning recently. Your efforts were highly effective in achieving a positive outcome in the legislative process.
As one of the last acts before adjourning, the Legislature passed Challenges for Change. This law sets expectations for a new way of providing government services that strive to achieve savings by focusing on performance and outcomes.
Funding for RPCs, though reduced, will continue to be allocated based upon a fair and transparent funding rule intended to increase accountability and foster efficiency. In addition, each RPC will be required to respond to regional needs and increase coordination with other regional groups.
The beginning of this process was frustrating as directives to merge and consolidate with regional development corporations were put forth as the only answer. This was done without input from the affected agencies and their constituents, or a recognition that our statutory responsibilities are very different. RPCs were consistent in our testimony that innovation in regional planning and community/ economic development can and should happen in a more deliberate and thoughtful manner. Your voices provided the perfect harmony to this chorus.
CVRPC also appreciates the leadership and involvement of many members of our region’s House and Senate during the process. It is through their thoughtful engagement that the legislative process evolved to consider a broader approach to this Challenge.
CVRPC believes this legislation as passed is a positive outcome. We embrace the challenge to continuously improve regional planning and community development and identify specific ways to become even more efficient and effective. We hope that the new performance based contracts will be specific enough to hold us accountable, yet flexible enough to allow innovation.
We will be working through the summer and fall to address the legislative directives and look forward to reporting the results.
Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions as we move forward. Thank you again for your continuing support.
Sue Sinclair
Executive Director
As one of the last acts before adjourning, the Legislature passed Challenges for Change. This law sets expectations for a new way of providing government services that strive to achieve savings by focusing on performance and outcomes.
Funding for RPCs, though reduced, will continue to be allocated based upon a fair and transparent funding rule intended to increase accountability and foster efficiency. In addition, each RPC will be required to respond to regional needs and increase coordination with other regional groups.
The beginning of this process was frustrating as directives to merge and consolidate with regional development corporations were put forth as the only answer. This was done without input from the affected agencies and their constituents, or a recognition that our statutory responsibilities are very different. RPCs were consistent in our testimony that innovation in regional planning and community/ economic development can and should happen in a more deliberate and thoughtful manner. Your voices provided the perfect harmony to this chorus.
CVRPC also appreciates the leadership and involvement of many members of our region’s House and Senate during the process. It is through their thoughtful engagement that the legislative process evolved to consider a broader approach to this Challenge.
CVRPC believes this legislation as passed is a positive outcome. We embrace the challenge to continuously improve regional planning and community development and identify specific ways to become even more efficient and effective. We hope that the new performance based contracts will be specific enough to hold us accountable, yet flexible enough to allow innovation.
We will be working through the summer and fall to address the legislative directives and look forward to reporting the results.
Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions as we move forward. Thank you again for your continuing support.
Sue Sinclair
Executive Director
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