Fairlee | Source: John Knox

IN THIS ISSUE OF NEWS & NOTES

TRORC's Continuing Response to COVID-19 | Reminder - ButtonUp is on November 18th! | TRORC Receives NBRC Grant for Velomont Trail | TRORC Assists with Identification of New Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the Region | FY22 Better Roads Grant Program Announced | Bridgewater Receives USDA Grant to Upgrade Wastewater Treatment Facility | Town Tree Warden Statutes Amended | TRORC and Green Peak Alliance Create New Online Health Resource Library | Hartford and Tunbridge Mitigation Plans Approved | TRORC Regional Plan Receives Certificate of Energy Compliance | Regional Wonder: Velomont Trail - A Multi-seasonal Recreational Retreat

TRORC's Continuing Response to COVID-19

TRORC staff are back in the offices at the King Farm! And while we are still closed to the public, we are getting back to 'normal' work and staff are starting to prepare for what this winter may bring. 

TRORC has created a COVID-19 information page on our website to compile resources and provide examples of what other communities are doing to respond to this pandemic. 

We will continue to make updates to this page as more information and resources come out. Please let us know if you have any resources that should be on this page, or if something is missing. Email Pete Fellows at pfellows@trorc.org.

TRORC is also actively planning for a second wave of COVID-19 this winter. If your community or organization wants assistance developing plans and procedures, please reach out to Tory Littlefield at vlittlefield@trorc.org. 

As the pandemic continues, we are all more dependent on computers. Be extra mindful of email and internet security and only visit trusted sites. You may receive many offers of help from real or fake companies, but the best resources we can find will be on our website.

Thank you, and continue to stay safe!

Reminder - ButtonUp is on November 18th!

The Fall 2020 ButtonUp Workshop is on November 18, 2020 starting at 12 p.m.

It’s Button Up season – time to start thinking about weatherization and the great incentives that Efficiency Vermont has to offer. Is your Energy Committee interested in participating in the 2020 Button Up Vermont Campaign? Sign up here and help spread the word about Button Up to your neighbors. The 2020 Button Up campaign has a lot to offer, including:

• Weatherization Wednesdays: weekly webinars featuring trivia, Q&As, DIY-videos, and tips for weatherization.
  
• Free Virtual Home Energy Visits: residents in participating communities can sign up for a virtual visit from a home energy expert at Efficiency Vermont, while appointments are available.
  
• Regional Weatherization Trainings: TRORC and other Regional Planning Commissions are hosting custom webinars with special information for your communities. Register for TRORC’s training on November 18 at 12:00 PM.
  
• Button Up Vermont Share the Warmth Campaign: working with the Vermont Community Foundation, the Button Up campaign has established a way to donate to weatherization projects for low income Vermonters. Invite your neighbors to support energy and financial security in Vermont.

For more information contact Geoff Martin at gmartin@trorc.org.

TRORC Receives NBRC Grant for Velomont Trail

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced the funding of 5 projects under a Memorandum of Agreement signed between the NBRC and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to amplify both agencies’ economic development impact in Northern Border communities. The NBRC has received a special appropriation since 2018 for these awards, which has resulted in working closely with the EDA to award funds to projects that meet the strategic objectives of both agencies.  Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission – received $526,375: This project supports construction of key sections (10 mi) of the Velomont Trail in the Towns of Chittenden, Rochester, and Hancock, as well as a new year-round ADA accessible backcountry hut in Chittenden. The Velomont Trail and Hut Network will be a statewide, multi-use, non-motorized trail for mountain biking, hiking, and skiing.  “This is a once in a lifetime recreational opportunity for Vermont,” said Pete Fellows of TRORC. “TRORC is excited to secure funding to get this project really rolling!” 

Today’s skiers and riders are seeking longer adventures complete with overnight excursions fueled by the bike-packing movement. The desire to ride various networks over a multi-day trip has remained a concept until today.  VMBA and the Vermont Huts Association are partnering to create a truly unique riding opportunity that will connect towns, villages, and their respective trail systems across the state through an end to end, hut to hut experience like nothing else in the country.  Vermont’s unique geography and development patterns are conducive to immersing trail users in both the outdoors and the state’s rural communities via an interconnected trail network. Unfortunately, many of Vermont’s existing multi-use trail networks are fragmented, forcing locals and visitors alike to drive to a trailhead, often speeding right through a struggling rural town.  

The development of a connected Velomont Trail that is supported by Vermont Huts Association’s backcountry facilities would put Vermont on par with destination-quality experiences found in places like Europe and New Zealand, where users can enjoy an evening in a mountain hut followed by an afternoon spending their money at a local farmers’ market or general store before heading back into the forest.  At a local level, the trail will facilitate close-to-home access to recreation opportunities on public lands for rural residents. TRORC has also supported the Velomont with grant management for economic impact study funded through the VT Community Development Program. This data was used to secure this grant and other funding.  The data collected said the trail could support between 50-100 jobs as well as $400,000-$600,000 in new tax revenue annually once fully built out.

For more information on this project, contact Pete Fellows at pfellows@trorc.org.

This map shows Phase 1 of the Velomont Trail & Hut Network Construction in the Rochester/Chittenden Valley

TRORC Assists with Identification of New Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the Region

In August, TRORC received a small grant from the Emergency Management Preparedness Grant – Supplemental (EMPG-S) to assist the Department of Public Service (DPS) and Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) identify potential new Wi-Fi hotspots. New locations were needed to fill the need of employees and students access the internet in a public space to do their work and school. Many of our towns don’t have good reliable internet that can handle the demands of online working and learning. In total, five locations in the Region were identified as potential new Wi-Fi hotspots: Barnard, Bradford, West Fairlee, and two in Corinth.

If your town was interested in this potential opportunity and did not respond to the original request, please reach out to Pete Fellows at pfellows@trorc.org.

FY22 Better Roads Grant Program Announced

The Vermont Agency of Transportation is pleased to announce the 24th year of funding to support projects on municipal roads that improve water quality and result in maintenance cost savings. The grant funds are provided by the VT Agency of Transportation with partnership through the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. The Vermont Better Roads Program promotes the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques that save money while protecting and enhancing water quality around the State.

Please note that the application scoring of the Better Roads Program is intended to be in line with the State’s Clean Water Act (Act 64), as well as the Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP). In an effort to prioritize funding for projects that are providing significant water quality improvements, applicants must indicate whether or not the projects that they intend to construct will be in full compliance with the MRGP. Please see application and scoring sheet for more information. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Better Roads staff.

Please note: No Funding or awards will be issued until appropriated by legislative action, if available, this is expected to be July of 2021. Applications for funding will be accepted until December 18, 2020.

For the most up‐to‐date information or to download a copy of the application please visit this website: http://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/better‐roads

TRORC has been very successful in the past to obtain funding for our towns for culvert inventories, road erosion inventories, ditching projects, and culvert replacements. To apply, reach out to Rita Seto at rseto@trorc.org.

Alger Brook in Strafford was completed Fall 2020. This was a Better Roads Grant to install stone lined ditches.

Bridgewater Receives USDA Grant to Upgrade Wastewater Treatment Facility

Congratulations to the Town of Bridgewater for their United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) award to upgrade their wastewater treatment facility! In total, $789,000 of federal funds were awarded to upgrade and replace the waster treatment facility and collection system. This award will improve pollution control by reducing maintenance repair costs, as well as excessive infill.

The USDA is investing $891 million nationwide to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states. These 220 projects will help improve rural water infrastructure for 787,000 residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, and they include initiatives across New Hampshire and Vermont. USDA Rural Development State Director Anthony Linardos was pleased to announce the investments in a recent statement. “Delivering safe drinking water and modernizing wastewater management improves public health and drives economic development,” he said. “Upgrading and replacing this core infrastructure is crucial in securing the wellbeing of rural Americans. These essential projects will provide a healthier place to live and do business in New Hampshire and Vermont.”

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Town Tree Warden Statutes Amended

Vermont's tree wardens play a critical role in maintaining the health of public green spaces in our communities. Today, tree wardens are on the front lines of a host of environmental issues, such as managing the impacts of the emerald ash borer (EAB), the decline of aging urban trees, changes in the regional climate, effects of environmental stressors like natural disasters, and weaknesses in past municipal planning initiatives. Thus, the guidance and regulations placed on the duties of town tree wardens must be strategically outlined to allow public landscapes to flourish. Town officials, landowners, road crews, state officials, and tree wardens themselves have voiced growing concern for years to modernize the statutes (originally passed in 1904 and not updated since 1969) to align with modern municipal tree management.

New legislation has been passed to modernize Vermont's tree warden statutes and other statutes related to public trees and roadside vegetation. The bill, H.673 was signed into law by Governor Scott on October 8, 2020 and went into effect November 1, 2020.

In accordance with the amended Tree Warden Statutes, the tree warden is responsible for all shade trees within a municipality. The tree warden makes determinations about shade tree removals, enforces all laws relating to shade trees, may develop a community tree planting and care program, and may choose to work with the legislative body of the municipality to adopt a shade tree preservation plan. 

In the coming months Vermont Urban and Community Forest Program staff will be implementing a plan to support Vermont communities and tree wardens in understanding and adhering to the new statutes.  They will be updating online resources, seeking pilot municipal partners to develop shade tree preservation plans, and collaborating with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to create new guidance.  

TRORC and Green Peak Alliance Create New Online Health Resource Library

TRORC is now hosting a Health Policy Clearinghouse online for the Green Peak Alliance. The Health Policy Clearinghouse is a collection of resources for policy makers seeking examples and information to form policies that support healthy communities. You can browse resources in this clearinghouse using a variety of Topic and/or Audience choices that are relevant to your work. The Green Peak Alliance is a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont. Projects of the Green Peak Alliance include positive activities and supports for youth, substance misuse prevention education, and prescription medication take-back initiatives. If you would like to submit a health-related policy from your town to be considered for inclusion in this clearinghouse, please contact Kimberly Gilbert at kgilbert@trorc.org.

Hartford and Tunbridge Mitigation Plans Approved

The Towns of Hartford and Tunbridge Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP) have received their Approval Pending Adoption (APA) from Vermont Emergency Management (VEM). This means that the LHMP has met all of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements for a mitigation plan. The Hartford and Tunbridge Selectboards will now need to formally adopt the plan  to receive their FEMA approval letter, which executes the plan. TRORC was hired to work with Towns of Hartford and Tunbridge to update the LHMP. These plans expire every five years and are a great financial incentive for towns in Vermont during federally declared disasters as they are part of the Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund (ERAF). If a community has certain adopted documents, such as VTrans road and bridge standards, an annually adopted Local Emergency Management Plan, a LHMP, and participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, then the State will pay a percentage of the required 25% local match for federally declared disasters. Want to know your ERAF status? Go to floodreadyvt.org, and click on community rating profile.

Currently, TRORC is also working with the towns of Norwich, Fairlee, Hartland, Randolph, Royalton, and Bridgewater on their LHMPs. If your community is interested in contracting with TRORC for your LHMP project, please reach out to Tory Littlefield at vlittlefield@trorc.org.

Kevin Geiger leads a hazard ranking exercise in Hartford (pre-COVID).

TRORC Regional Plan Receives Certificate of Energy Compliance

TRORC has successfully applied for and received a Certificate of Energy Compliance Certificate for the Regional Plan from the Department of Public Service (DPS). This certificate elevates the Regional Plan in the Section 248 permitting process (energy development projects) to ‘substantial deference.’ The Regional Plan had to meet a number of required energy planning standards developed by DPS. Some of these standards include creating policies to steer the Region towards meeting the State energy goals, mapping potential energy development locations, and addressing energy use sectors such as housing, transportation, and electricity generation. You can see the filled out standards sheet, and the energy certificate here: https://www.trorc.org/trorc-regional-plan/.

This certificate for the Regional Plan will also allow the TRORC Board to issue the same determination to municipal plans. Currently, six communities in the Region have this determination. Two more communities are expected to ask for this determination at the December Board meeting. 

TRORC has worked with several communities in the Region to draft Town Plans that meet these energy planning standards. If your community is interested in drafting such a Plan, or wishes to seek a determination from the Board, contact Tory Littlefield at vlittlefield@trorc.org.  

Regional Wonder

Velomont Trail - A Multi-seasonal Recreational Retreat

The Green Mountains are home to some of the best mountain biking in the world. Led by the Vermont Mountain Bike Association’s (VMBA) chapter model, numerous trail groups across the state have created pockets of single-track bliss. While each network has its own flair, they all lack one key element -connectivity. Nineteen existing trail networks and the Vermont Huts Association are partnering to create a truly unique riding opportunity that will connect towns, villages, and their respective trail systems across the state through an end to end, hut to hut experience like nothing else in the country.

Right now, mountain bikers, hikers, and skiers can access portions of the Velomont Trail right in the TRO Region. Completed portions of the trail can be accessed in Hancock, Rochester, Chittenden, and Pittsfield, with several huts along the way so riders can enjoy an overnight retreat in the Green Mountain National Forest all year round. 

Eventually, the Velomont Trail will reach from the Massachusetts state border to Canada, providing a mountain bike and ski trail much like the Long Trail is to hikers. 

Cross-country skiers traverse the Brandon Gap | Source: R.A.S.T.A.

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