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)
Upcoming Housing Webinar Series
Check out this upcoming 3-part Housing Webinar Series co-sponsored by Windham Regional Commission, Windham Windsor Housing Trust, & MARC! The series will be presented via Zoom, with a registration link to come closer to the dates which will be posted here when available.
Town of Windsor Selectboard – Notice of Public Information Meeting
The Town of Windsor is seeking comment on its 2021-2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan draft. The purpose of this planning effort is to improve Windsor’s resiliency to natural hazards through hazard assessment, recognition of vulnerable assets, and identification of mitigating actions and strategies to reduce the impact of these hazards on the community.
The Windsor 2021-2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan draft and appendices can be found here or on the Town website.
Please attend the Selectboard meeting of September 28th at 7 PM for a review of the draft plan. The meeting will be held both in-person at the Windsor Town Hall and virtually. For more information on how to participate please refer to the Town website under Municipal Notices to Public.
Please feel free to forward any questions or comments on the draft plan to Tom Marsh, Town Manager at tmarsh@windsorvt.org or to Cindy Ingersoll at cingersoll@marcvt.org by October 1st.
We welcome all input!
Public Meeting Notice – Use of MARC Brownfields Reuse Program Funding
The Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) will be providing loan funds through its Brownfields Reuse Program Black River Crossing, LLC, for the removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials at 23-25 Main St. (including 7-9 Park St.) and 27-31 Main St. buildings in Springfield, Vermont. A public hearing will be held on the proposed cleanup project in-person and virtually on September 13th at 6:30 PM at Springfield Town Hall. For more information on attending and to view relevant documents and public notice please click here.
Clean Water Design and Implementation Block Grant
MARC will be releasing a 5th round of Request for Applications on September 10th. Applications will be due by October 18th with notification by November 5th. For more information check our Clean Water Design and Implementation Block Grant page on September 10th when all postings will be up to date.
New MARC Facebook Page
In line with our recent name change, all Facebook posts from the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) will now be located at our new Facebook page Mount Ascutney Regional Commission – MARC. Be sure to follow us there for news and updates!
Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
Our Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund has been awarded $350,000 in supplemental funding from the EPA for clean-up of contaminated sites for redevelopment.
Governor Phil Scott On Vermont’s 80% Vaccination Milestone
Governor Phil Scott announced on June 14, 2021 that 80.2% of Vermont’s eligible population – those age 12 and over – have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first state to reach this major milestone.
Governor Scott also announced he has rescinded all state COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Vermont’s State of Emergency, slated to expire on June 15th, will not be renewed (click here for additional details).
“Now that we have hit 80%, as promised, effective immediately I’m lifting all remaining state pandemic restrictions and the State of Emergency will formally end at midnight June 15.”
All Vermont Residents age 12+ are now eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Everyone age 12 and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Sign up for your shot today at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine or follow @healthvermont on Facebook and Twitter for walk-in opportunities.
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!
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:
- 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/
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.
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
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
