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

Check out the Keys to the Valley January Newsletter!

Click here to view the Keys to the Valley January Newsletter!

Advanced Wood Heat Webinar

Thursday February 3, 5:30pm

Mount Ascutney Regional Commission and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission are teaming up to present to you a Clean Heat learning opportunity. We will be joined by two experts to learn about advanced wood heating options and how they compare to other non-fossil fuel heating alternatives.

To join the webinar and for more information, visit our Energy Page.

Green Mountain Power Battery Storage Webinar

Tuesday February 8, 7:00pm

Interested in learning more about improving your home’s resiliency while cutting costs and carbon? Join your Regional Planning Commissions and Green Mountain Power at 7 pm on February 8th for a webinar to learn how GMP’s battery storage programs can help you stay powered up, while also reducing carbon emissions and lowering costs for all GMP customers. Register for the Webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y4IQzQpVRzGVLqhTEOGpOQ

Call for Comments – Ludlow Microtransit Feasibility Study

New Preferred Site Policy

A new policy to clarify how MARC will handle future requests for preferred site designations was adopted by the Board of Commissioners at our December 6, 2021 meeting.  Developers ask town planning commissions and selectboards, and regional planning commissions for a preferred site letter for solar projects that are subject to Vermont’s net-metering rules [Public Utility Commission Rule 5.100].  The process to do so is not laid out in statute nor the rules.  This new policy documents our process and criteria for reviewing such request to make it easier and clearer for all involved in or affected by the process.  Click here to read our Preferred Site Policy.

Fall 2021 Housing Webinar Series

Three housing webinars were held during the fall of 2021, co-hosted by Windham Regional Commission, Windham and Windsor Housing Trust, and Mount Ascutney Regional Commission. For the presentation slides and recordings of these webinars, see WRC’s Community Development webpage at the link below.

http://www.windhamregional.org/community-development

Regional Priority Project Process

The Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) is partnering again with the Springfield Regional Development Corp. and our towns to develop a list of Priority Projects with an economic development nexus for state and federal fund eligibility.  The Priority Project process is going on in each region in the state and the final product is provided to the Agency of Commerce & Community Development (ACCD), who will share with other funders for consideration in making decisions on grant programs.  For more information, see an overview, project form, and scoring matrix.

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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yzjxyEEs9s

 

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.

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

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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