Here are some topics and presenters that have done workshops funded with MEG (Municipal Education Funds). These funds are available until May 2010 from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. For more information on the grant funds and application process, go to www.dhca.state.vt.us/Planning/MEG.htm.
DRB Review Process: How to Proceed with Challenging Applications,
Presenter: VLCT Municipal Assistance Center
The development review process is an often tricky affair. Discussed will be what tools are required for finding evidence, how to best conduct site visits, how and who to call when needing an expert, best methods for successful deliberations, administrative review, and the importance of clear application requirements.
Land Use Procedure Q & A,
Presenter: Steve Stitzel, Stitzel, Page & Fletcher, P.C.
Renowned land use attorney Steve Stitzel will discuss common pitfalls in the review process, discuss the pros and cons of different procedural approaches (eg: public vs. private deliberations), and review current changes in the land use field (e.g: recent Jam Golf Supreme Court decision.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
EECBG Stimulus funds for Municipalities
These frequently asked questions are very helpful in refining the application requirements.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions on the EECBG RFP is now posted on the VT Department of Public Service's website at: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions on the EECBG RFP is now posted on the VT Department of Public Service's website at: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Municipal Grants for ARRA/Energy Funds
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG)
>
> Competitive Local Government Sub-Grants
> The Clean Energy Development Fund is seeking proposals from eligible
> units of local government for projects that implement energy
> efficiency measures in buildings and transportation, install energy
> efficient traffic signals and street lighting; provide energy
> efficiency financial incentive programs, or install renewable energy
> generation systems. Eligible "units of local government" include
> cities, towns, town school districts, incorporated schools, and
> incorporated villages.
Units of local government that were eligible
> for direct Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
> (EECBG)funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (Town of Bennington, Town
> of Brattleboro, Burlington, Town of Colchester, Town of Essex, Village
> of Essex Junction, Town of Hartford, Town of Milton, Rutland, South
> Burlington, Addison County, Caledonia County, Chittenden County,
> Franklin County, Orange County, Orleans County, Rutland County,
> Washington County, Windham County, and Windsor County) are not
> eligible. Regional Planning Commissions are > also not eligible as they are already receiving direct EECBG funds. Towns,> Villages, and schools within these towns/cities/counties are eligible.
>
> Applicants may submit proposals for projects in the following
> categories:
> Energy Efficiency Retrofits, Financial Incentive Programs for Energy
> Efficiency, Implementation of Transportation Projects, Renewable
> Energy Technologies on Government Buildings, and Traffic Signals and
> Street Lighting. An applicant may submit more than one proposal, but
> must submit a separate proposal for each category. Regardless of the
> number of projects submitted, the maximum amount of funds to any
> eligible entity is $100,000.
> All projects must be based in Vermont. All electric-generation
> projects must be grid-connected. Funds cannot be used for projects
> that have already begun construction and/or equipment purchases have
> been made.
>
> There is a maximum award of $50,000 for Energy Efficiency Retrofits,
> $250,000 for Financial Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency,
> $25,000 for Implementation of Transportation Projects, $75,000 for
> Renewable Energy Technologies on Government Buildings, and $50,000 for
> Traffic Signals and Street Lighting. The minimum amount that an
> applicant can apply for is $10,000 (for each project category).
>
> A total of $4.8 million in funding will be awarded. All projects must
> include a minimum of a 10% match from applicants (which can be cash or
> in-kind). Match greater than the required amounts is encouraged, and
> preference may be given to projects requesting lower funding amounts
> than comparable projects.
>
> All grant awards will be funded using American Recovery and
> Reinvestment Act (ARRA) monies and therefore applicants will be subjected to
> unprecedented levels of transparency and reporting requirements
> including, but not limitedto: reporting, tracking and segregation of incurred costs; job creation and preservation reporting; access to records; and ensuring
> wage rates.
>
> The Request for Proposals contains the necessary information
> for eligible applicants to submit a proposal.
>
> There will be two steps to the application process. First, an Initial
> Application will be due by 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.
> Information on what should be included in the Initial Application is
> included in each project category description on pages 4-9 of the RFP,
> as well as the form included in Appendix A. The Initial Applications
> will be reviewed and scored and a select number of applicants will be
> invited to submit Comprehensive Applications, which will be due by 4:00
> P.M. on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Applicants will be notified if
> they have been selected to submit a Comprehensive Application before
> the end of December. > Information on what should be included in the Comprehensive > Application is included in each project category description, as well > as on pages> 9-15 of> the RFP. Being invited to submit a Comprehensive Application does not insure that an applicant's project will be funded. The intent will be to select slightly more applications than can be funded (probably
> $5-$5.5 million in proposals and $4.8 million can be funded).
>
> Applicants mailing proposals should allow adequate time to ensure
> receipt of their proposal(s) by the deadline. Proposals received
> after the deadline will not be considered. One original, signed hard
> copy, five additional copies, and an electronic copy (which can be
> emailed or submitted on a CD) of the application must be delivered to
> Kelly Launder at the Vermont Department of Public Service. Both
> electronic and hard copies must arrive before the deadline. Proposals
> and questions should be addressed to:
>
>
> Kelly Launder
> Vermont Department of Public Service
> 112 State Street
> Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
> Phone: (802) 828-4039
> Email: kelly.launder@state.vt.us
>
>
> Competitive Local Government Sub-Grants
> The Clean Energy Development Fund is seeking proposals from eligible
> units of local government for projects that implement energy
> efficiency measures in buildings and transportation, install energy
> efficient traffic signals and street lighting; provide energy
> efficiency financial incentive programs, or install renewable energy
> generation systems. Eligible "units of local government" include
> cities, towns, town school districts, incorporated schools, and
> incorporated villages.
Units of local government that were eligible
> for direct Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
> (EECBG)funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (Town of Bennington, Town
> of Brattleboro, Burlington, Town of Colchester, Town of Essex, Village
> of Essex Junction, Town of Hartford, Town of Milton, Rutland, South
> Burlington, Addison County, Caledonia County, Chittenden County,
> Franklin County, Orange County, Orleans County, Rutland County,
> Washington County, Windham County, and Windsor County) are not
> eligible. Regional Planning Commissions are > also not eligible as they are already receiving direct EECBG funds. Towns,> Villages, and schools within these towns/cities/counties are eligible.
>
> Applicants may submit proposals for projects in the following
> categories:
> Energy Efficiency Retrofits, Financial Incentive Programs for Energy
> Efficiency, Implementation of Transportation Projects, Renewable
> Energy Technologies on Government Buildings, and Traffic Signals and
> Street Lighting. An applicant may submit more than one proposal, but
> must submit a separate proposal for each category. Regardless of the
> number of projects submitted, the maximum amount of funds to any
> eligible entity is $100,000.
> All projects must be based in Vermont. All electric-generation
> projects must be grid-connected. Funds cannot be used for projects
> that have already begun construction and/or equipment purchases have
> been made.
>
> There is a maximum award of $50,000 for Energy Efficiency Retrofits,
> $250,000 for Financial Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency,
> $25,000 for Implementation of Transportation Projects, $75,000 for
> Renewable Energy Technologies on Government Buildings, and $50,000 for
> Traffic Signals and Street Lighting. The minimum amount that an
> applicant can apply for is $10,000 (for each project category).
>
> A total of $4.8 million in funding will be awarded. All projects must
> include a minimum of a 10% match from applicants (which can be cash or
> in-kind). Match greater than the required amounts is encouraged, and
> preference may be given to projects requesting lower funding amounts
> than comparable projects.
>
> All grant awards will be funded using American Recovery and
> Reinvestment Act (ARRA) monies and therefore applicants will be subjected to
> unprecedented levels of transparency and reporting requirements
> including, but not limitedto: reporting, tracking and segregation of incurred costs; job creation and preservation reporting; access to records; and ensuring
> wage rates.
>
> The Request for Proposals contains the necessary information
> for eligible applicants to submit a proposal.
>
> There will be two steps to the application process. First, an Initial
> Application will be due by 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.
> Information on what should be included in the Initial Application is
> included in each project category description on pages 4-9 of the RFP,
> as well as the form included in Appendix A. The Initial Applications
> will be reviewed and scored and a select number of applicants will be
> invited to submit Comprehensive Applications, which will be due by 4:00
> P.M. on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Applicants will be notified if
> they have been selected to submit a Comprehensive Application before
> the end of December. > Information on what should be included in the Comprehensive > Application is included in each project category description, as well > as on pages> 9-15 of> the RFP. Being invited to submit a Comprehensive Application does not insure that an applicant's project will be funded. The intent will be to select slightly more applications than can be funded (probably
> $5-$5.5 million in proposals and $4.8 million can be funded).
>
> Applicants mailing proposals should allow adequate time to ensure
> receipt of their proposal(s) by the deadline. Proposals received
> after the deadline will not be considered. One original, signed hard
> copy, five additional copies, and an electronic copy (which can be
> emailed or submitted on a CD) of the application must be delivered to
> Kelly Launder at the Vermont Department of Public Service. Both
> electronic and hard copies must arrive before the deadline. Proposals
> and questions should be addressed to:
>
>
> Kelly Launder
> Vermont Department of Public Service
> 112 State Street
> Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
> Phone: (802) 828-4039
> Email: kelly.launder@state.vt.us
>
Friday, November 13, 2009
Recreation Trail Grants
Governor Announces $500,000 Available for Recreation Trails
Grant program expands outdoor opportunities for Vermonters
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced $500,000 in funding will be available for the 2010 Recreation Trails Program. Vermont’s Recreational Trails Program is a matching grant program of the federal Highway Administration for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of trails, and trail-related facilities, for non-motorized, motorized, multiple-use or compatible recreational trail use.
"These grants provide opportunities for Vermonters to spend more time outdoors on our trails and they encourage outdoor activity and healthy living,” said Governor Douglas. “By improving access to public lands and waters, these grants also support both local tourism and recreation businesses.”
The deadline for grant applications to the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is January 15, 2010. All applications are reviewed and ranked by a five-member citizens’ committee based on established criteria.
Grants up to $20,000 will be awarded for trail project work that will result in helping to achieve desired outcomes identified in local, regional, and state plans including established goals for recreation, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, economy, education, and health. A 20 percent sponsor-match is required for all projects, except for mini-grants, which require no local match.
Mini-grants up to $500 are available to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, community or civic groups, and educational institutions and are intended specifically for small-scale trail projects to enhance or sustain community trails. Funds can be used to purchase trail tools, safety equipment, professional trail training and trail-related educational materials for the public, trail markers and signage. Projects should pose no historical or environmental impact, and must include a community service or youth involvement element.
Grants may be used for trail restoration, construction or reconstruction of multi-use trails, trail linkages, trailside amenities, trailhead facilities, bridges, railings, ramps, retaining structures, accessible features which facilitate access to and use of trails by persons with physical challenges, trail maps, trail-related educational materials to promote safe, responsible use, and environmental protection; fee simple title to property or easement acquisition of recreation trails or trail corridors; and purchase of hand-tools for trail work.
Grant applications are available online at www.vtfpr.org/recgrant/trgrant.cfm. The Department of Forests, Park and Recreation will hold a free grant-writing workshop on Wednesday, December 9, from 3 to 4 p.m., at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph. All those interested in applying for funds should attend and will receive five bonus points on their application.
For more information contact Sherry Winnie, program administrator at 802-241-3690, or by e-mail: sherry.winnie@state.vt.us
Grant program expands outdoor opportunities for Vermonters
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced $500,000 in funding will be available for the 2010 Recreation Trails Program. Vermont’s Recreational Trails Program is a matching grant program of the federal Highway Administration for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of trails, and trail-related facilities, for non-motorized, motorized, multiple-use or compatible recreational trail use.
"These grants provide opportunities for Vermonters to spend more time outdoors on our trails and they encourage outdoor activity and healthy living,” said Governor Douglas. “By improving access to public lands and waters, these grants also support both local tourism and recreation businesses.”
The deadline for grant applications to the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is January 15, 2010. All applications are reviewed and ranked by a five-member citizens’ committee based on established criteria.
Grants up to $20,000 will be awarded for trail project work that will result in helping to achieve desired outcomes identified in local, regional, and state plans including established goals for recreation, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, economy, education, and health. A 20 percent sponsor-match is required for all projects, except for mini-grants, which require no local match.
Mini-grants up to $500 are available to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, community or civic groups, and educational institutions and are intended specifically for small-scale trail projects to enhance or sustain community trails. Funds can be used to purchase trail tools, safety equipment, professional trail training and trail-related educational materials for the public, trail markers and signage. Projects should pose no historical or environmental impact, and must include a community service or youth involvement element.
Grants may be used for trail restoration, construction or reconstruction of multi-use trails, trail linkages, trailside amenities, trailhead facilities, bridges, railings, ramps, retaining structures, accessible features which facilitate access to and use of trails by persons with physical challenges, trail maps, trail-related educational materials to promote safe, responsible use, and environmental protection; fee simple title to property or easement acquisition of recreation trails or trail corridors; and purchase of hand-tools for trail work.
Grant applications are available online at www.vtfpr.org/recgrant/trgrant.cfm. The Department of Forests, Park and Recreation will hold a free grant-writing workshop on Wednesday, December 9, from 3 to 4 p.m., at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph. All those interested in applying for funds should attend and will receive five bonus points on their application.
For more information contact Sherry Winnie, program administrator at 802-241-3690, or by e-mail: sherry.winnie@state.vt.us
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Municipal Education Grants FY 2010
Applications for the FY10 MEGs may be submitted any time before May 15, 2010. Details about the program and application forms are available here: http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/Planning/MEG.htm. This has just been announced by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs on November 3, 2009! This is a great source of funds for excellent workshops to be held in your community. Let CVRPC know if you need assistance.
Friday, October 30, 2009
VT Community Energy and Climate Action Conference
The University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) invite you to attend the second annual Vermont Community Energy and Climate Action Conference. The conference will take place at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee Vermont on Saturday, December 5th from 8:00-4:00. Conference registration is now open! For complete information and to register on-line, go to: http://www.regonline.com/VTEnergy.
Building on a very successful first conference last year (over 220 attendees), this conference is for those interested in how Vermont communities can take action to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy for municipal government, businesses, and residents. The conference is geared toward town energy committee members, selectboard and city council members, conservation commissioners, professional and citizen planners, town public works staff, environmental business professionals, state government officials, academics, and concerned citizens.
The day will include concurrent workshop presentations, regional break-out meetings, and general sessions. 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 at the local level, while also having an opportunity to network with other Vermont communities.
The opening address will be delivered by Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law and Senior Counsel, Environmental & Natural Resources Law Clinic at the Vermont Law School and the afternoon keynote will be delivered by Senator Bernie Sanders (invited) who will discuss progress on the climate change bill currently making its way through Congress.
Workshop topics include:
- Community Wind: Has Its Time Come for Vermont?
- Bio-Energy: Behind Every Good Community Project is Good Resource Planning
- Local Energy Projects in Vermont: A Smorgasbord of Opportunities
- Locating the Money and Resources Needed to Move Energy Projects Forward
- Community-Based Energy Efficiency Teams
- Building Resilient Energy Committees and Cultivating Partners
- Communities Go Solar!
- Local Energy Planning: A Powerful Climate Action Tool
- Transportation and Energy Link: Tools and Approaches to Promoting Alternative - Transportation in Your Community
- Improving Efficiency in Municipal and School Facilities and Operations
- Beyond Local: State, National and International Efforts to Tackle Climate Change
- Amplifying Your Message and Leveraging New Media and Social Marketing Opportunities
Building on a very successful first conference last year (over 220 attendees), this conference is for those interested in how Vermont communities can take action to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy for municipal government, businesses, and residents. The conference is geared toward town energy committee members, selectboard and city council members, conservation commissioners, professional and citizen planners, town public works staff, environmental business professionals, state government officials, academics, and concerned citizens.
The day will include concurrent workshop presentations, regional break-out meetings, and general sessions. 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 at the local level, while also having an opportunity to network with other Vermont communities.
The opening address will be delivered by Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law and Senior Counsel, Environmental & Natural Resources Law Clinic at the Vermont Law School and the afternoon keynote will be delivered by Senator Bernie Sanders (invited) who will discuss progress on the climate change bill currently making its way through Congress.
Workshop topics include:
- Community Wind: Has Its Time Come for Vermont?
- Bio-Energy: Behind Every Good Community Project is Good Resource Planning
- Local Energy Projects in Vermont: A Smorgasbord of Opportunities
- Locating the Money and Resources Needed to Move Energy Projects Forward
- Community-Based Energy Efficiency Teams
- Building Resilient Energy Committees and Cultivating Partners
- Communities Go Solar!
- Local Energy Planning: A Powerful Climate Action Tool
- Transportation and Energy Link: Tools and Approaches to Promoting Alternative - Transportation in Your Community
- Improving Efficiency in Municipal and School Facilities and Operations
- Beyond Local: State, National and International Efforts to Tackle Climate Change
- Amplifying Your Message and Leveraging New Media and Social Marketing Opportunities
Friday, October 23, 2009
Central Vermont Housing Menu now online
The Central Vermont Housing Menu is a housing-related planning and zoning tool kit for local communities. The publication includes definitions of a variety of housing strategies, how the strategies can be applied in Vermont, the benefits or outcomes of implementing the strategies, suggestions or companion strategies and examples of where they have been implemented in Vermont. To check it out visit the "Publications" web page and scroll down to the 'Housing' section or simply copy and paste the following address into your web browser http://www.centralvtplanning.org/PDF%20copy%20housing%20menu%20july%2009.pdf
We are interested to hear what you think about the publication, please send comments to clarerock@cvregion.com.
We are interested to hear what you think about the publication, please send comments to clarerock@cvregion.com.
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