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

Job Opening for Administrative Assistant

The Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented individual to assist finance staff and planners, to work 32 hours/week at our office in Ascutney, Vermont. Click here for more details on this Administrative Assistant position.

Vermont Eases Outdoor Mask Requirements, Moves to Step 2 of Vermont Forward Plan

The Governor announced that May 1st will mark the start of Phase 2 of the Vermont Forward Plan, which moves additional business sectors to universal guidance. 

As of May 1st, when you are outdoors, masks are only required when you’re in a crowd or with multiple households where you can’t keep a 6-foot distance from others. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces. This guidance applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

Get more details about mask requirements at VDH FAQ.

Also starting May 1st, there are new limits on gatherings, including social gatherings at a private residence and events at a venue. For indoor gatherings, there can be one unvaccinated person per 100 square feet up to 150 unvaccinated people (whichever is less), plus any number of fully vaccinated people. For outdoor gatherings, there can be 300 unvaccinated people, plus any number of fully vaccinated people. 

Details about gatherings and more can be found at VDH FAQ.

Keys to the Valley Publishes Assessment of Homes and Toolbox of Solutions on Interactive Website

The findings and resources from the Keys to the Valley housing initiative are now publicly available on the new Keys to the Valley website. We are glad to share these resources for your contemplation, conversation, and active use when considering the many challenges facing our region’s homes. To learn more, visit https://www.keystothevalley.com.

Essentials of Land Use Planning + Regulation: Meetings, Hearings and Due Process Training Video

Check out this recent training!

2021 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Program

The application for the 2021 round of Downtown and Village Center tax credits is now available! Applications are due Thursday, July 1, 2021, and the Vermont Downtown Board will make allocation decisions by mid-August. 

See the program guidelines and application.  Applicants are also encouraged to register for a FREE Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Applicant Webinar, scheduled for May 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

Click on the link below to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5435316299417291533

Webinar ID
775-856-619

Along with basic information, the webinar will review the program’s scoring criteria which is used to evaluate and score applications. The webinar discusses sample responses and covers information about required attachments which must be submitted with every application. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, a recording will be made available on our website following this training.

Remember the deadline to apply for funding this year is July 1, 2021. Applications must be submitted electronically to caitlin.corkins@vermont.gov.

Vermont Forward Plan

“On April 6, 2021, Governor Phil Scott released a reopening guide to help Vermonters and local businesses see the path for a phased return to unrestricted travel, business operations, and event gatherings. The plan was developed by the Department of Health, the Department of Public Safety, and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and uses vaccination milestones to ensure a safe easing of personal restrictions and continued reopening of the state’s economy.”

The plan can be accessed here.

Governor Scott Announces All Vermonters Will be Eligible for Vaccine by April 19th

Governor Phil Scott today announced the timeline for when all Vermonters age 16 and older will be eligible to make an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination.

The next age group will be people age 60 and older, who can make an appointment starting Thursday, March 25 at 8:15 a.m.

When a new group of people is eligible, they can register online at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine or by calling 855-722-7878. Vermonters are encouraged to create an account ahead of time so it will be easier to log in when it’s time to make an appointment.

The length of the entire process will vary, but Vermonters can expect it to take approximately two months from the time you register to the time you are considered fully vaccinated. This includes the anticipated time between registration and an appointment, the time of a first and last dose, and the two weeks needed after a last dose for it to be at maximum effectiveness. The goal is to have Vermonters fully vaccinated by July 1.

EPA showcases Goodyear Industrial Campus Success Story in Windsor

Mount Ascutney Regional Commission’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund provided environmental cleanup financing and technical assistance to initiate the redevelopment of this blighted site which now produces 500 kilowatts of solar energy for the region.

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:

• 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/ 

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.

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.

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.

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.