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

Welcome to the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC), formerly known as the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC)

Apartment Space for Rent

Call Chris Titus at 802-674-9201 or email ctitus@marcvt.org for more information.

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.  

Is Your Zoning Stuck in the 1970s? 

They may have lost their groove. Many municipalities are learning how mid-century zoning values can suppress housing supply, drive up housing costs, and widen racial and economic disparities. While complete zoning overhauls are out of reach for most communities, — smaller, incremental changes can make a big difference. Learn more about ways to make your community more inclusive and economically stronger by registering for interactive online training sponsored by AARP-VT, ACCD and CNU. Learn more and register here.

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

  • Photo courtesy of https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2019/pop-up-parks-cycling.html

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.

State Rail Plan and State Freight Plan Updates

VTrans is currently updating both the State Rail Plan as well as the State Freight Plan.  These updates are coordinated given the importance to Vermont of freight moved by rail.  For more information, click the following hyperlinks for the coordinated project newsletter and the Rail Plan project webpage.

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.