Mount Ascutney Regional Commission

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is a constantly evolving situation that is important for all of us to be educated and updated on.

Visit our COVID-19 Resources & Information page for updates, information and resources related to the pandemic.

Latest News

2021 Connecticut River Speaker Series

This year, the Connecticut River Joint Commission (CRJC) Subcommittees will be working together to celebrate and learn more about our Connecticut River – its history, science and culture.  CRJC invites residents of the Connecticut River Valley to join and participate in four speaker series events occurring virtually on a Tuesday at 6pm:

• March 23rd – River Paths for Wildlife

• May 25th – Future of Invasive Species Management
• September 28th – A History of the Connecticut
• November (date TBD) – Water Quality & Green Infrastructure

To register or for more information about the speaker series visit http://www.crjc.org/riverwide/ 

COVID-19 Vaccination Expands to Vermonters Age 70 and Older

Starting 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, people in Vermont who are age 70 and older will be able to make their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Going online to healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine and making an account is the fastest way to make an appointment, and there are enough slots at sites throughout Vermont for everyone who is eligible. If you already have an account because you were tested for COVID-19 through a Health Department site, use the same account to make your appointment.

 The Health Department reports that more than 33,500 people in the 75 and older age group have made appointments to be vaccinated. Approximately 19,000 Vermonters in that age group have received at least their first dose.

Vaccination sites are available around the state, and people can choose a nearby location when making their appointment. In addition, Walgreens has now joined Kinney Drugs as a participating pharmacy and is administering vaccine in 20 locations. To make an appointment at Walgreens, visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine or go directly to its website at walgreens.com.

Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, or who needs to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

People who get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for reactions. Information about side effects and how to report any adverse reactions will be provided.

After getting their first dose, clinic staff will help people make an appointment to receive their second dose. Getting fully vaccinated with both doses provides the best protection against the virus.

Find answers to common questions and watch a video about how to make your appointment at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.

Ludlow/Okemo Microtransit Feasibility Study Request for Proposals

The Town and Village of Ludlow is seeking a qualified consultant that can evaluate existing conditions and public transportation services, conduct outreach to clarify the needs expressed by the community and local businesses, evaluate options to address the need, guide the selection of a preferred option, and estimate feasibility of the preferred option.

The Town and Village of Ludlow was awarded funding from the Mobility and Transportation Innovations (MTI) Grant Program to evaluate the feasibility of microtransit or after-hours shuttle services in the Ludlow and Okemo Mountain Resort area to enhance mobility options, reduce single-occupant vehicle trips, address periods of high demand, and to enhance the visitor’s experience in Ludlow.

Ludlow and Okemo Mountain Resort are currently served by transportation services, including The MOOver (formerly the Current) seasonal service and Okemo shuttles. However, the community recognizes a need for expanded transportation services. There was strong sentiment expressed for this during the recent Municipal Plan update process. The Ludlow Selectboard recognizes the need for shuttle service during the evenings, particularly during the ski season. Transportation is also a high priority for the Chamber of Commerce and their membership.

Click here for the full RFP and here for the attachment.

The Current Rebranded as the MOOver, Resumes Medicaid Services

The nearly year-long re-branding effort to convert The Current into the MOOver is almost complete. Both Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT) divisions are nicknamed The MOOver. To differentiate between the two, the company will use the names Rockingham MOOver and the Wilmington MOOver. Rockingham’s buses now have their Holstein spots. Bus stop signs, uniforms, schedules, stationary, and building signs also say or will say MOOver. A new single website is now live at moover.com.

 The MOOver will resume providing Medicaid transportation to qualified clients in southern Windsor County starting March 1, 2021. The MOOver resumed Medicaid transportation in Windham County on February 1, 2021. Medicaid clients can call The MOOver Monday-Friday 7:45 am-4:30 pm toll free at 1-888-869-6287 or 802-460-7433. For more information, you can read the entire release here.

It’s Time to Review the Draft Vermont State Rail Plan!

The Draft Plan is available until March 22, 2021. Please review at your earliest convenience here.

The final draft of the Plan will be presented to the Vermont Rail Advisory Council (VRAC) at their March 24^th meeting.

Providing Feedback

Please review the Draft Plan on the AOT website. Find the Plan (and the Executive Summary) under the Technical Memos, Reports, & Resources section. 

Once you’ve accessed and downloaded the document, there are several ways to provide feedback. 

• Explore the initiatives and respond in the Rail/Freight Plan Webtool
• Mark-up the PDF (digitally or print out), then email attachment to Zoe Neaderland (Zoe.Neaderland@vermont.gov)
• Email your key points
• Call Zoe at 802-793-2778 

All feedback will be compiled for consideration in finalizing the Plan.

Update on New Work Safe Additions to the Be Smart, Stay Safe Order

As of January 27th, 2021, The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) made modifications to the Be Smart, Stay Safe Order regarding special guidance for annual meetings (Town Meeting). These updates can be found in section 13.1 of the order, accessible here.

Go! Vermont Transportation Survey

Go! Vermont is looking to hear from Vermonters on how they get around and what types of transportation programs help them the most. How do you commute and take transportation trips? What programs are the most beneficial to VT residents? Your responses will guide Go! Vermont and give important feedback on what resources are valuable to Vermonters. Take the short survey about transportation in VT and be entered for a chance to win $100 in Vermont Coffee Company coffee or one of three $50 Hannaford gift cards. The Survey is open from Thursday, Jan 28th until Sunday, Feb 14th. Raffle winners will be picked on Mon, Feb 22nd. Access the survey here.

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Free Public Transportation to VT Vaccine Clinics

Free public transportation to vaccine clinics is available to VT residents who do not have access to their own transportation. The Vermont Public Transportation Association (VPTA) is the central point of contact for any part of the state. VPTA will bill the ride to the appropriate funding source (Medicaid, Elderly/Disabled program or a special federal source for COVID-19 if no other funding source applies). Rides are provided by regional public transportation providers using a combination of volunteer drivers in cars or vans/busses. These rides are ADA compliant and will accommodate disabled people as well. Whenever possible, ride requests should be made 48 hours in advance.

These services are only available to people who are not currently a COVID-19 risk. Individuals who recently arrived from out-of-state still need to follow the isolation process before using public transportation. People who are COVID-19 positive, symptomatic or close contacts of COVID-19 positive people must be cleared for public transportation first.

The public number to request rides is 833-387-7200.

Vermont Opens Phase II Of COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Vermonters who are age 75 and older are now able to make an appointment for their COVID-19 vaccination. People in this age group can make an appointment online at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Eligible Vermonters will be asked to create an account on the website, then log in to make their appointment.

For anyone who is unable to register online or who needs to speak with someone in a language other than English, there is a call center that can be reached at 855-722-7878. Going forward, the call center hours will be Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Vaccinations in this phase will begin January 27 at Health Department clinics and other locations around the state. Registrants will choose a location when making their appointment. There are no walk-ins. Appointments are required to receive a vaccine.

People who receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Like when receiving other immunizations, most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for reactions. They will also be given information about side effects and how to report any adverse reactions.

After getting their first dose, clinic staff will help people make an appointment to receive their second dose. Getting fully vaccinated with both doses provides the best protection against the virus.

2021 VTrans Small-Scale Bicycle and Pedestrian Grants

VTrans is now soliciting applications for small-scale projects through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Applications are due by 1:00 PM on Friday, February 19, 2021.Grants are to reimburse construction costs only and will be awarded in the range of $5,000 to $75,000.  The local share of projects is 50% and can be cash, in-kind labor, donated materials, or any combination thereof.

Small-scale projects may consist of the following facilities:

• Bicycle lanes (on-road facility delineated with pavement markings and signs)
• Shoulders (generally a minimum of 3-feet wide to accommodate bicyclists)
• Sidewalks
• Pedestrian crossing improvements, including median pedestrian refuge islands
• Pedestrian signals
• Improvements that address requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Shared-use paths (designed for use by both bicyclists and pedestrians)

Ideal candidate projects for this round of grants are those that are ready to go to construction in 2021.  

For a copy of the VTrans 2021 Small-scale Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Guide and to access the application materials, visit the VTrans Bike/Ped Program website:http://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/local-projects/bike-ped. 

You may also obtain a copy or ask any questions about the program or application process by contacting Jon Kaplan at (802) 498-4742 or email at jon.kaplan@vermont.gov.  

COVID-19 Updates

The COVID-19 pandemic is a constantly changing situation. For updated guidelines and resources, including executive orders and State information, please view our COVID-19 Resources & Information webpage.

COVID-19 Community Development Resources

http://accd.vermont.gov/community-development/funding-incentives/vcdp

During COVID-19 outbreak, please check the Agency’s web site for the Recovery Resource Center for available tools including financial assistance programs, unemployment information and a Frequently Asked Questions to help businesses and individuals navigate available resources.
•       Recovery Resource Center: https://accd.vermont.gov/
•       Resources for Business: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/business
•       Resources for Individuals: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/individuals
•       Resources for Community: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/community
•       For phone: 1-877-214-3330

AOT Announces Guidance for Demonstration Projects in State Highway Right-Of-Way

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New guidance is now available from the Agency of Transportation for demonstration projects in the State Highway right of way. Demonstration projects are temporary changes to the roadway, such as adding a bike lane or pedestrian parklet. Demonstration projects allow a community to test out these changes without having to make permanent and often expensive investments. The guidance document is intended for use by municipalities, businesses, and community groups. It describes the options available, issues that need to be considered, the state approval processes, and provides links to resources with additional information. The document provides an orientation on the topic and is not a design guide or standard.

Guidance Document: Demonstration Projects in State Highway Right-of-Way

Demonstration Project Phase 1 Pre-Application
Phase 1 Contact: Amy Bell, Planning Manager, amy.bell@vermont.gov, 802-279-0783

Demonstration Project Phase 2 Section 1111 Permit Application Supplement
Phase 2 Contact: Permitting Services

GUV Photovoltaic Solar Facility Request for Proposals

The Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste District (“District” or “GUVSWD”) requires the services of a professional, qualified solar energy developer (“Developer”). For the ease of communication regarding this Request for Proposal (RFP), the term “Developer” shall be used for all references to responding entities, including all suppliers, installers, and sub-contractors that may be required to fully design, complete construction of, and operate the proposed facility and its proposed financial structure.

Proposals are for a solar energy facility between 550 KW -1 MWAC at the Site; however, it is the developer’s responsibility to determine the optimum size facility for the Site. It is the District’s intent to solicit responses to the RFP in accordance with the terms, conditions, and other specifications contained herein.

Developers to this RFP shall furnish all financing, engineering, supervision, professional services, analysis, engineering design, engineering drawings and specifications, construction management, supervision, labor, materials, equipment, supplies and other items of expense, project sustainment and operations required to perform the work specified in this RFP.

It is the intent of this RFP that as part of the implementation of the proposed system that there will be a sharing of generated revenues of the system with the GUVSWD in exchange for the use and occupation of the project site for the duration of the operational life of the proposed system, e.g., 25 years.

Click here for the full RFP.

MARC Has Office Space for Rent!

For additional information or to arrange a viewing, contact us at 802-674-9201 and ask to speak with Chris Titus.