Vt. announces funding awards for downtown projects

Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development recently announced over $860,000 in tax incentives for rehabilitation and revitalization projects throughout Vermont’s designated downtown and village centers.

These six project awards will help generate over $20 million in building improvements and around the state. In addition to these awards, a new round of funding for later this year will be announced in April, with tax credits available to projects in state-designated Downtowns, Village Centers, and Neighborhood Development Areas.

“These investments are impactful, supporting local businesses, creating new housing, and improving the economic vitality of our community centers,” Scott said. “This kind of targeted investment in our downtowns and village centers, along with the strategic use of federal relief dollars, shows what we can do to make Vermont an even better place to live and visit.”

“Thanks to the support of the Legislature, we are excited to be able to expand the reach of this program in the coming year,” said Josh Hanford, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “Our next round of funding will allow applicants of state-designated Neighborhood Development Areas to also participate in the program, supporting investments in rental housing around our existing commercial centers.”

Projects funded include:

• Bennington, 650 Main Street

• $200,000 for redevelopment of the former Bennington High School into a multi-purpose community center and 37 apartments, including both affordable and market-rate units.

• Brattleboro, 22-26 High Street

• $79,000 for façade improvements and code upgrades to a 5-story downtown block, providing space for a restaurant, maker’s market, offices, and studios.

• Enosburg, 366 Main Street

• $327,500 for conversion of vacant commercial space for mixed retail and office use at the historic Perley Block.

• Jeffersonville, 4968 VT Route 15

• $61,575 for the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the Jeffersonville Granary for a food hub supporting four local food businesses.

• Rutland, 56 Merchants Row

• $125,000 to support significant code upgrades to the Gryphon building’s upper floors, creating 10 new 1-2-bedroom apartments.

• White River Junction, 5 South Main Street

• $62,600 for completion of code-mandated improvements to the Briggs Opera House, a local landmark and cultural center in White River Junction.

Here is additional information on the projects, including local contact information. Visit the Department of Housing and Community Development website for information about how the tax credits help boost the vitality of Vermont’s communities.

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

New funding to aid Vt. downtowns, village centers

Fall foliage in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) recently announced over $4 million in funding supporting a record number of rehabilitation and revitalization projects throughout Vermont’s designated downtown and village centers. These 49 project awards will help generate over $95 million in building improvements and public infrastructure around the state.

“These investments are impactful, supporting local businesses, creating new housing, and improving the economic vitality of our community centers,” said Scott. “I believe this kind of targeted investment in our downtowns and village centers, along with the strategic use of federal relief dollars, shows what we can do to make Vermont an even better place to live, work and play.” 

“Thanks to the support of the Legislature, the Downtown Board was thrilled to fund 49 projects in communities large and small,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford. “This year we awarded a record number of rehabilitation and revitalization projects, and I am grateful to the dedicated Vermonters working to keep the heart and soul of their communities vibrant places for years to come.”

In 2022, $4.1 million in tax credits will offset the costs of major investments in projects including upgrades to Woodstock’s historic Phoenix Block on Central Street, and also at the Shire Hotel on Pleasant Street in Woodstock Village. Another project will repair the historic carriage shed in Quechee’s village center, making part of the building into new apartments. Farther north, the former U.S. Customs House and Post Office in St. Albans will be redeveloped into mixed commercial use and will provide eight new units of downtown housing.

For a complete list of projects visit the Department of Housing and Community Development website.

State highlights careers in construction

October has been declared “Careers in Construction” month in Vermont, in an effort to recognize career opportunities within the construction industry.

“As we make historic investments in housing, broadband, and traditional infrastructure, there are many opportunities for Vermonters to find lucrative careers in the trades,” Gov. Phil Scott said during a recent announcement.

According to Department of Labor data, construction accounts for 5.2% of statewide total employment, with more than 15,000 individuals working within the industry. The average annual wage for construction workers in Vermont is $57,635, exceeding the statewide average wage of $56,264. The most recent data also shows that construction accounts for about 10 percent of the total number of businesses in Vermont, with a total of more than 2,900.

“Anyone who has needed the services of a skilled contractor in the last few years, understands the importance of highlighting and supporting this important sector of our economy, as well as helping to educate folks on just how lucrative and rewarding these careers are for those who chose to pursue a job in the trades,” said Dustin Degree, Vermont’s deputy labor commissioner.

For more information on resources for jobseekers and employers, please visit Labor.Vermont.gov/Jobs.

Click here to view the full Careers in Construction Month proclamation.

Conservation design tool sees upgrade

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has announced a significant upgrade to its BioFinder planning and conservation mapping tool.

New data layers will allow users to display socio-economic variables including per capita poverty, health insurance coverage, and a social vulnerability index alongside the ecological datasets from Vermont Conservation Design that currently populate BioFinder.

BioFinder was first created in 2013. The current update is a collaboration between the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD), the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), and the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC).

“Biologists can point out the most ecologically important places on a landscape, but actually conserving those areas involves community action,” said Jens Hawkins-Hilke, VFWD conservation planning biologist. “When planners understand how ecological priorities line up with community values, they can better craft conservation opportunities that benefit both people and nature.”

Meeting the needs of both human and natural communities is an important part of the state of Vermont’s strategy for responding to climate change, state officials added. They also said this data will help the state plan housing in appropriate locations, while better protecting natural resources and wildlife habitats.

Learn more about the BioFinder Mapping Tool and new social data layers at: anr.vermont.gov/maps-and-mapping/biofinder

For more information on Vermont Conservation design, go to: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/conserve/vermont-conservation-design

The above information is from press releases and related data issued by the state of Vermont.

Canada to end COVID travel restrictions

The mountains around Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Starting on Oct. 1, Canada will remove all travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That means travelers into Canada will no longer have to provide proof of COVID vaccination, undergo pre-travel testing, or go into quarantine or isolation after entering. Masks mandates on planes and trains will also be lifted, and the ArriveCan app — used to upload health documents for visiting Canada — will become optional. 

In their announcement on Monday, Canadian officials cited the country’s high vaccination rate as a major factor for making this change. Around 82% of Canadians have received two doses of COVID vaccine, and over 90% of Canadians over 12 have received at least one dose, according to news sources. 

Bordering U.S. states were quick to praise the move. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott called it a long-awaited one for the state, which has extensive economic ties with its neighbor to the north. 

“Removing barriers to cross border travel allows our border communities to return to normal social and economic activity, which is an important part of the connection between our two countries,” Scott said in a Monday statement. “As was made clear during my recent trade mission to Montreal, there is a lot of interest in Vermont as a place to vacation and do business — and this step will also make tourism and businesses travel easier, benefitting Vermont’s economy.”

Canada’s announcement comes one week after members of Parliament and border-city mayors wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden, urging them to lift all remaining COVID travel restrictions. Proof of vaccination is still required for all non-U.S. citizens traveling into the United States.

— Gareth Henderson

New Vt. program aims to help startups, tech sector

A view of the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state of Vermont recently announced the launch of its first technology-based economic development program.

It is designed to catalyze growth in Vermont’s high-tech business sector through increased access to targeted technical and research assistance, Vermont officials said. Coined as Elevate Vermont, the goal of the multi-faceted program is to help accelerate early-stage technology companies and help established small businesses remain relevant in a global market.

"Supporting businesses in every region of the state to retain and create jobs remains a top priority of my administration,” said Gov. Phil Scott in a Wednesday statement. “This program will help our innovative employers grow and succeed in the global marketplace, while strengthening our communities here at home.”

H.439 (Act 74) appropriated $800,000 to the program in the 2021 legislative session. An extensive request for proposals (RFP) process has resulted in the selection of outside experts who can assist Vermont businesses in successfully applying for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, according to officials. Every year, the federal government grants out over $3 billion to small businesses through the SBIR/STTR programs and a highly competitive application process.

Elevate Vermont will support companies seeking this funding through one-on-one SBIR/STTR application assistance from professional advisors at North Carolina-based Eva Garland Consulting, LLC. The application for this Technical Assistance is now open and accepting submissions on a rolling basis until funding is depleted.

“Vermont has never before had such opportunity to support startups and early-stage tech companies,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein, in the recent announcement. “These investments present an enormous opportunity for the state’s growing tech sector.”

In the coming months, two additional applications will become available under the Elevate Vermont moniker to provide even more support for companies engaged with SBIR/STTR. Eligible participants may qualify for matching grants to accelerate the commercialization of their technology, offsetting costs such as sales and marketing expenses that cannot be supported with SBIR/STTR funds, according to the state.

Elevate Vermont will also provide an Innovation Research Partnership Program to help small businesses strengthen connections with research institutions that can assist them in solving challenging product development issues.

To receive notification about the Elevate Vermont program as more information becomes available, subscribe to the Department of Economic Development newsletter.

The information in this article is from a press release from the Office of the Governor of Vermont.

Statewide effort aims to create vibrant public places

A view of the Ottauquechee River from the East End Park in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Creating vibrant public places throughout Vermont is at the heart of a statewide economic development effort that officially launched this week.

This partnership, “Better Places”, gives residents the opportunity to use crowdfunding to develop strategic, locally led projects in their communities and be supported with a 2:1 matching grant from the state, according to a Thursday announcement. 

“The Better Places program provides municipalities and nonprofits with funding for community-driven projects in our downtowns and village centers,” said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott in a statement. “These grants will help increase activity at local shops, restaurants, and other small businesses in all corners of Vermont.”

Teaming up for this effort are the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Community Foundation, and the company Patronicity. 

The program provides one-on-one project coaching, fundraising support, and matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 to advance local projects that create and revitalize public spaces. Whether communities are dreaming for more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, colorful public art projects, community gardens, or cultural events, Better Places grants can help turn these ideas into reality, state officials said.

“At the heart of economic development is creating places where people want to be, spend time, belong, and thrive,” said Lindsay Kurrle, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. “From public art to pop-up parks to outdoor seating, we’re excited to support community-driven placemaking efforts that add vibrancy, social life, and pride to Vermont’s communities.”

In December of 2020, the Better Places pilot program began, and the state’s program partners invested $130,000 dollars into eight collaborative projects around the state. With the success of the pilot program, the Vermont Legislature allocated $1.5 million for the formal launch of this program.

“The Better Places pilot program was key to strengthening collaboration between the arts, community development leaders, Vermont-based funders, and local leaders, and has led to transformative investments in Vermont with wide-ranging benefits to our health, economy, and social connections,” said Dan Smith, CEO and president of the Vermont Community Foundation.

• To review projects that were part of the pilot program click here.

• For full details on the program including eligibility and application process, visit the program website.

• A program launch webinar will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. Registration is required.

— Gareth Henderson

New program to help with overdue housing payments

A view of Wyman Lane in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

A new statewide program is offering grants of up to $30,000 towards a variety of overdue housing payments.

Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP), which will help Vermont homeowners facing pandemic hardships, is now accepting applications. The program, funded by $50 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will provide grants of up to $30,000 per household to cover overdue mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, and property association charges.

The HAP is being managed through the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and is expected to run for multiple years to help reduce the long-term risk of foreclosure and home loss.

“As we move forward in our recovery, my administration is making housing a top priority,” said Gov. Phil Scott in a Monday announcement. “In addition to supporting those experiencing homelessness and building new housing stock, we must also work to keep Vermonters in their homes, to stabilize neighborhoods and preserve the health of our communities. This program offers another tool to help accomplish this.”

Passed as a part of ARPA, this program was supported by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.). In a joint statement, the Vermont Delegation said: “As foreclosure moratoriums and forbearance agreements end, many Vermonters are facing an uncertain future. These funds will help homeowners harmed by the pandemic get caught up on their bills and move forward.”

Earlier in the pandemic, VHFA organized the Mortgage Assistance Program, which assisted nearly 900 households with a total of $10 million in mortgage and property tax assistance. The additional federal ARPA funding allows the HAP to offer expanded criteria to support homeowners who do not have a mortgage or who have a reverse mortgage, state officials said, and it will also cover utility bills and homeowner and condominium association fees, to help even more households facing financial challenges.

The program is available to any Vermont homeowner who meets the eligibility criteria, and is not just for VHFA mortgage borrowers. The program is available to Vermont homeowners for expenses related to their primary home, who meet income limits, and who are behind on their bills due to a financial hardship associated with the coronavirus pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020.

“Since the HAP funding is provided as a one-time-only grant, we highly encourage homeowners to talk with a local HUD-approved housing counselor prior to applying,” remarked Eric Hoffman, VHFA’s manager of homeownership business development. “Their free counseling services can help applicants make sure they are taking advantage of all the loss-mitigation tools that may be available to them.”

More information and application materials are available at vermonthap.vhfa.org. The website is available in several languages and includes information about how applicants can access additional translation and application assistance. A Homeowner Assistance Program information hotline is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 833-221-4208.

— Gareth Henderson

New aid arriving for water infrastructure upgrades

A view along Route 4 in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont will receive $63,041,000 in funding for drinking water systems and wastewater treatment as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

The bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden late last month, and  U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced the new funding on Thursday. This money will go into the state’s revolving loan funds for drinking water and wastewater. Those funds are loaned or granted to municipalities for constructing, improving or expanding public drinking water and wastewater systems. This funding is in addition to the state’s annual allocation of approximately $15.8 million for the revolving loan funds, bringing the total federal funding for 2022 to nearly $80 million, according to Thursday’s announcement. 

In the statement, Scott said these historic investments in this infrastructure offer a unique opportunity for Vermont towns and cities, including during their long-term economic recovery from the pandemic. 

“My administration has made these kinds of investments a top priority, and because of (our Congressional Delegation’s) work, we will be able to have a huge impact on communities in all 14 counties, helping them build back more prosperous and resilient,” Scott said. 

Leahy, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, also noted the importance to local economies. 

“We all know Vermont needs more housing of all types, but one of the barriers to building that housing has long been a lack of sufficient water and wastewater infrastructure,” he said. “Vermonters across the state have expressed a desire for vibrant, walkable downtowns, where people can step outside their doors and walk to local businesses. Realizing that vision requires precisely the infrastructure that these investments will fund.”

Vt. brownfield clean-up investment moves forward

More than $7 million of the $25 million appropriated for brownfield site remediation has been committed to 10 projects across Vermont, state officials announced in a Friday statement.

The funding was previously announced by Gov. Phil Scott as part of Act 74 and represents the first-time state dollars have been allocated to brownfield sites, officials said. Historically, remediation projects have been funded exclusively by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. On Friday, the governor said the impact of the funding “will be transformational for Vermont communities” from economic and environmental standpoints.

Act 74 appropriated $11 million to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development; $10 million of which makes up the Brownfields Revitalization Fund used to fund clean-up projects at brownfield sites that can show transformational economic development outcomes, Friday’s announcement stated.

The Act also appropriated $14 million to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to help with the remediation of sites enrolled in the state’s Brownfield Economic Revitalization Alliance (BERA). These BERA projects represent some of the most costly and complicated clean-ups in Vermont. To date, ANR has committed $4.5 million of those dollars to two projects: the former Fonda Container Company site in St. Albans and the Jones and Lamson site in Springfield.

— Gareth Henderson

Broadband money to benefit multiple Vt. regions

West Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When it comes to statewide challenges, broadband is a perennial issue in rural states and money is a consistent obstacle. However, Vermont officials this week announced $9.9 million in federal grants to aid broadband expansion in the state. 

The Vermont Community Broadband Board will issue the grant money to four communications union districts (CUD’s). These volunteer-run municipal organizations are working to improve high-speed broadband access — a need that was hugely exposed in 2020 when many had no choice but to work or learn remotely. 

The grant funding will mainly benefit communities in the Northeast Kingdom and central and southern Vermont. CUD’s receiving funds include the Deerfield Valley Communication Union District in southeastern Vermont ($4,111,318), Maple Broadband in Addison County ($2,399,200), Central Vermont Fiber in Washington County ($2,804,667) and Northwest Communication Union District in northwestern Vermont ($604,376). The grants are for preconstruction costs, including business planning, pole data surveys, and engineering work.

In the Monday announcement, Christine Hallquist, executive director of the state’s Community Broadband Board, praised the teamwork around this issue. 

“Vermonters have been working decades to get broadband to every address in Vermont,” she said. “It is exciting to see that goal within reach. I am so grateful to the hundreds of volunteers, the Legislature, the Administration and the many branches of state government that are working together to make this happen.”

U.S. Rep. Peter Welch told the media at the Monday press conference that the toughest part was yet to come. 

“We did our part to get funds, but you know the hardest part? It’s taking those funds and then in a responsible, careful, effective way to actually get them deployed and get those homes wired,” Welch said. 

Gov. Phil Scott also spoke to the great need for this money, especially given the experiences of the past 18 months. 

“We saw how challenging it was for some families and kids who didn’t have access to broadband when we closed schools and had to resort to remote learning,” Scott said. “We also saw the challenges for working Vermonters who didn’t have access to broadband when we asked them to stay home. Access to broadband is a necessity in the 21st century.”

Grants funding the construction work will be issued early next year. Three of the four groups awarded in this first round of grants plan to start construction in the spring of 2022. 

According to a Pew Research study released in August, seven out of 10 rural Americans say they have a home broadband connection — up from six out of 10 in 2016. The study notes that despite the increase, “rural residents are still less likely than those living in suburban areas to report having home broadband.”

— Gareth Henderson

Program extended to help food-insecure Vermonters

The Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont, on Wednesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A statewide program helping food-insecure Vermonters has been extended through the end of 2021.

This week, the "Vermont Everyone Eats" program announced it would continue through the end of the year. In an interview with Vermont Public Radio, Jean Hamilton, the program's statewide coordinator, noted that pandemic-driven needs persist in Vermont communities.

"The impact will be here for longer than we imagined, but also, we just didn't anticipate the impact of (the) Delta (variant) and the fact that numbers would actually go back up," Hamilton told VPR.

More funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is allowing this extension to move forward, according to news reports. FEMA is currently covering the restaurant-made meals at $10 each, NECN reported via NBC5, with the purpose of helping hungry Vermonters and also the local eateries and farms providing the food.

Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 1 in 3 people in the state were facing food insecurity, according to University of Vermont researchers. A year later, UVM found that over half of those affected Vermonters were still having trouble accessing nutritious meals.

In Middlebury, Bethany Farrell, of The Giving Fridge, told NECN she was glad to take part in Everyone Eats and was thrilled about the program's extension.

"It will help our communities thrive," Farrell said.

Vermont Everyone Eats has over 134 distributions sites statewide managed by 18 regional partners, according to the program’s website. For more details about its work, download the impact report on this page.

— Gareth Henderson

New funds to advance cleanup at dozens of Vt. brownfield sites

Vermont is investing $25 million to clean up and spur redevelopment on some major contaminated sites, which have sat vacant for years due to the cost of environmental remediation.

About 70 eligible sites are on the list to receive funding through the Brownfield Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act. The overall $25 million comes out of a $210 million state budget surplus and was approved by the Legislature. It marks the first time state dollars have been used toward these brownfield projects, officials said in their Thursday announcement. Historically, this work has been funded exclusively by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

One of the projects benefiting from this influx of money is the 270,000-square-foot former Jones & Lamson Machine Co. building in Springfield, a huge driver of the manufacturing powerhouse this town was decades ago. The effort to demolish and remediate this 14-acre site will now receive $3.7 million from Vermont’s Brownfield Economic Revitalization Alliance program, the Valley News reported Friday. From that same program, new funding is also going to clean up a brownfield site in St. Albans and two in Burlington. 

The full amount of $25 million will be administered in parts by the state Agency of Natural Resources and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). 

This week, officials touted the significant environmental and economic impacts of this money.

“The level of funding will speed up a process which will no doubt result in business retention and expansion, job creation, and housing development, like we’ve never seen in Vermont,” said ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle in a statement.

Also in Thursday’s announcement, Peter Walke, the state’s commissioner of environmental conservation, noted the multiple ways the funding makes a difference.

“This historic state funding for brownfields will help us address longstanding environmental issues and better protect public health,” Walke said. “The benefits include everything from reducing sprawl by encouraging the use of existing infrastructure to encouraging renewable energy on brownfields.”

To help reach these goals, he also noted the importance of partnerships across state agencies, with the EPA and regional planning commissions, and many other groups and organizations. 

In Thursday’s statement, Gov. Phil Scott said this type of funding represents “exactly the kind of lasting impact” Vermont needs. 

“I hope this new level of state funding shows communities across Vermont that we are committed to helping all corners of the state recover and rebuild stronger than ever before,” Scott said.

— Gareth Henderson

Permanent increase coming for US food aid program

The setting sun in West Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As of Oct. 1, low-income Americans relying on monthly food assistance from the federal government will see a permanent increase in the funding.

Officials recently announced a 27% increase in grocery benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), media reports stated. About 42 million people currently receive SNAP benefits, and the change will impact about 70,000 Vermonters, according to Vermont Public Radio.

Anore Horton, the director of Hunger Free Vermont, said an increase has been needed for a long time.

"Advocates across the country have been saying for years and years and years SNAP benefits are inadequate; they have no relationship to the real cost of food," Horton told VPR. "And this is, while not a complete step toward fixing that, a very significant and important one."

This announcement comes as a temporary 15% increase in these benefits is set to expire next month.

The upcoming 27% increase will add, on an average per-person basis, about $36 per month to the pre-pandemic monthly amount of about $121 per person, according to CBS News.

The SNAP benefits were recently recalculated based on a program-wide assessment that Congress requested in 2018. The reassessment found that the benefits were too low, officials said.

Speaking to the media earlier this week, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the adjustments to the program are responding to higher food prices, evolving nutritional guidance, and changes in how Americans cook.

"We need to modernize those assumptions based on what is happening in kitchens and homes across America," Vilsack said.

— Gareth Henderson

Labor shortage, housing are key concerns during Lt. Gov. Gray’s county tour

Only in Vermont could you hike your way into a community gathering with the lieutenant governor at a country store. 

And that’s just what happened for Brice Jaggi, an Appalachian Trail through-hiker from Dallas, Texas. Last Thursday, Aug. 5, his lunch break on the back deck at Teago General Store became a front-row seat for Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray’s Windsor County tour, part of a series of visits to each of Vermont’s counties to hear local concerns about pandemic recovery. Gray's Pomfret visit came after stops in Hartford and Springfield on the same day, with Windsor County Senators Dick McCormack and Alice Nitka joining her. 

For Jaggi, it was a welcome interruption, and something he saw as unique to the Green Mountains. 

"We never see any of our politicians in Texas," he said, while picking up some ice cream at the Teago counter. "This was really interesting to watch." 

Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray listens at a recent community visit at the Teago General Store in Pomfret. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As with many such events in Vermont, local people get the opportunity to discuss key issues with state-level leaders, face to face. That Thursday, one of them was Seton McIlroy, vice chair of the Woodstock Village Trustees. She pointed out that a shortage of local employees and the pressure of high rents have made it very hard on businesses; some restaurants have had to reduce days, making it harder to find a meal out during the week. Also, the village is dealing with several store fronts being vacant, though one now has an ice cream pop up shop this summer.

“We need employees,” McIlroy said. 

Gray said this is a pattern she’s seen throughout the state, and the price of housing makes it very difficult for new workers to move here. She said Vermont must try to figure out how to keep restaurants open. 

The Pomfret conversation with the community — which followed a tour of the recently renovated Teago store — covered a range of topics, from business, to telecommunications and climate change. The Delta variant of COVID-19 also came up: McIlroy, a mother of two, said she’s worried about the impact of school staff who choose not to get vaccinated.  

In the foreground are Windsor County Sens. Dick McCormack and Alice Nitka, at the table with Jim Hurd and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, during a discussion about climate change at Teago General Store last Thursday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Gray sympathized with the concern, but emphasized the progress Vermont has made — it still has the leading COVID-19 vaccination rate in the country. Also, she thought the best way to approach the issue is to get more people vaccinated. The state has brought vaccination clinics to many community and business settings, and is adding some school-based clinics this fall. 

“The key is making (the vaccine) as accessible as possible,” Gray said. 

In an interview that afternoon, Gray said certain essential needs were greatly exposed during the past 18 months, and Vermonters have been voicing them. 

“I think the biggest thing the pandemic has exposed, that we're seeing in every corner of the state, is that we do have massive housing insecurity, to the point where we may have a housing crisis that deserves a particular designation and recognition as a crisis," Gray said. 

Issues strongly intertwined with the economy came up often last Thursday. 

“What we heard about from the community today is what we’ve been hearing about all along: housing costs, finding employees and (broadband) connectivity,” McCormack said at Teago.

Gray also said the shrinking workforce in mental health, substance abuse treatment and related services is a major problem. 

"The impact of that is that more and more people aren't getting services," Gray said. "So, if we're going to make really strategic investments now, it means listening to Vermonters, listening to the need, and then investing in infrastructure." 

She said that includes housing, mental health support services, broadband, and other key elements that have been long-term needs before the pandemic. 

Gray also said the existing partnerships involving CCV and other state colleges could help with the staffing shortage seen across multiple industries. 

“I do think we need to make sure that anyone who’s graduating from a Vermont college knows that they are fully set up to get into a job right here in the state,” she said.

— Gareth Henderson

Lt. Gov. Molly Gray visits with Piper McIlroy at Teago General Store. Piper was there with her mom, Seton McIlroy, and brother Seamus, shown in back at right. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Teago General Store Manager Christine Cole (far left) chats with Lt. Gov. Molly Gray at the store on Thursday, Aug. 5, with Marie Cross looking on. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Expanding broadband: A must for equity

A winter scene along Wyman Lane in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

With the end of the pandemic more firmly in view, a stubborn economic and education equity issue still looms large and is gaining more of the spotlight. 

Over the past year, inequities in high-speed broadband access — both geographically and economically — have been laid bare due to increased need for remote learning and telehealth services. Moreover, the path to more broadband is also a path to more jobs and sustainable, long-term economic development.

At the federal level, the new $1.9 trillion relief bill aims to help expand high-speed broadband in multiple states — Vermont has $113 million coming for infrastructure aid, including broadband. 

State legislative efforts are becoming prolific in regions from New England to the South and the rural West. A broadband bill is working its way through the Vermont House of Representatives, with a focus on supporting the growth of communications union districts, like ECFiber, which has greatly improved high-speed broadband access in the east-central Vermont region. 

Vermont’s governor, lieutenant governor and state lawmakers have repeatedly noted the broadband issue, the current gap and the need to address it. In a letter to state leaders last week, Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray described the broad impact.

“For the roughly 66,000 Vermont homes and businesses without access to broadband, each day of the pandemic has been a day without equity in access to online learning, remote work, tele-health, mental health and support services, government resources, civic engagement and much more,” Gray said. 

She also noted her support for a bill crafted by U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, of Vermont, which is now part of the $94 billion broadband package introduced by 30 House and Senate Democrats on Thursday. Welch’s focus was providing access to “unserved and underserved households”, and he also set aside some funding specifically for small states.

“The digital divide is real and has only widened since the start of the COVID pandemic,” Welch said in a statement last week. “There is no disputing that fast, reliable broadband service is essential in our modern economy. After a year of remote schooling, online medical appointments, and family Zoom calls, the need for high-speed internet for all Americans is even more clear.” 

Welch is a member of the Broadband Task Force led by House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, of South Carolina, a key author of the $94 billion plan. Clyburn highlighted broadband as a long-term economic need.

“We’re not going to grow the economy in our communities all across the country without broadband,” he told The Washington Post. “The investments we’re making in this, and the build-out over three to four years, makes this one of the best infrastructure efforts we can undertake today.”

Though it was the pandemic that thrust broadband into the spotlight more than ever, the growing need for this service extends beyond the current crisis. The future of economic development hinges on it, as does access to education. Online learning will change, develop, and expand in the coming years, from the younger grades through college. Telehealth will grow, and connecting to high-speed internet is a clear must-have for businesses. 

Decades ago, the country reached a point where having multiple regions underserved — or untouched — by electrical utilities was simply no longer an option. Broadband is at that point, and the federal funding and legislative efforts at the state level are encouraging. Hopefully, new dollars and new programs can be deployed for everyone’s benefit, especially for those most in need. The great need for broadband access is one lesson from the pandemic that is having an impact on decision-makers. The need has been expressed, not forgotten, and is attracting legislation. That makes it an important moment for the country, and it’s crucial to keep that momentum going. 

Along the way, people may disagree on how to best achieve the goal. But with the renewed focus and steadfast work on this issue, we can take decisive steps to increase access. It appears progress is on the horizon, and broadband is an essential gateway to resources and opportunities — ones that each community needs and deserves.

— Gareth Henderson

Governor loosens rules, responds to Biden deadline

A view from the Ottauquechee River Trail in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As promised, the state of Vermont made further changes to public health guidance on Friday, as the number of vaccinated Vermonters steadily increases. The state reached a new milestone in that process: 1 in 4 Vermonters have now received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Gov. Phil Scott also said the state could exceed President Joe Biden’s new directive that states make all adults vaccine-eligible by May 1. But first, the state needs to know how much Johnson & Johnson vaccine it will get, and he was confident that update would be forthcoming.

At a Friday press briefing, Gov. Phil Scott announced immediate changes to rules on small multi-household gatherings and table seating at restaurants. The changes allow two unvaccinated households to gather at a time, and restaurants can seat multiple households together, but no more than six people can be seated at the same table. Masking, distancing, capacity limits, and other guidelines remain in place.

At a press briefing, Scott acknowledged Vermont continues to take one of the most cautious approaches to reopening, and this has caused some frustration. 

"I hear from people every day who think we should be moving faster to reopen like some other states have," Scott said. "But there's a reason we have the lowest number of (COVID-related) deaths in the country, and the lowest death rate in the continental U.S. If our death rate was as high as some of our neighbors, like New York, we wouldn't be talking about 212 lives lost. We'd be talking about 1,500 or more."  

Scott said he'd continue to take a "methodical and strategic approach", guided by the health experts. He also noted that, as more people get vaccinated, Vermonters can expect the loosening of public health restrictions to be more frequent than last spring, when the vaccine was not available.

Speaking of vaccinations, the governor responded to questions his office received following President Joe Biden's televised speech on Thursday night, during which he directed states to expand vaccine eligibility to all adults by May 1. 

Scott said he thought Vermont could exceed that target, but the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine is the key to meeting it. He said the state is waiting for federal confirmation on what its Johnson & Johnson allotment will look like. 

"Following President Biden's remarks, I'm assuming a clear supply picture will be made available to the states as soon as possible, so we can confirm the schedule of our remaining age bands and share it with you next week," Scott said. "But again, I want Vermonters to know, if the federal government delivers the supply, we'll more than deliver on the president's eligibility goal." 

Sanders: Rapid relief a key point of $1.9 trillion bill

For U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the direct stimulus checks going out now to about 90% of Americans are a key feature of the COVID-19 relief bill President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday.

On Friday, Sanders emphasized that rapid economic relief is what many Vermonters and people across the country badly need. For those with direct deposit, those $1,400 relief payments should show up in bank accounts in the next few days, he added.

"I have believed for a very long time, that in a moment when half of the people in our country are living paycheck to paycheck, probably the most important thing that we could do at this moment is just get cash into the hands of struggling families," Sanders said at Friday's state press conference.

The bill also has provisions meant to address child poverty, including increasing the federal child tax credit from $2,000 to $3,600 for families with kids under age 6. In fact, Sanders said, estimates project the legislation will cut child poverty by up to 50%.

"This bill, in a very aggressive way, addresses that crisis," Sanders said.

The senator said he'll never forget seeing the long lines of cars lining up all over the state for emergency food packages last year.

"People are hurting, and they need help," Sanders said.

From the new relief package, Vermont will see $1.3 billion. Within that, the state gets $152 million for rent and utility relief and $50 million for mortgage assistance.

Sanders also shared important news for the many Vermonters who filed for unemployment in 2020. The relief bill adds a tax deduction for the first $10,000 in unemployment benefits an individual received in 2020.

With the bill's passage, enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week are extended into early September. It also provides more funding for vaccination efforts, aid for school reopenings and assistance for businesses.

Noting the great need to help children during the recovery, Sanders said the bill nearly triples federal funding for summer and after-school programs. It also supplies an additional $391 million in federal funding for child care.

"The bottom line is, this is an enormously comprehensive piece of legislation. It will impact, I suspect, almost every family in the state of Vermont," Sanders said. "The goal here is to do everything that we can to help people who are struggling right now, to rebuild our economy, to open up our businesses, to get our children back to school, and to crush this pandemic as quickly as we can."

In the coming weeks, he said, people can expect Congress to take on big issues like infrastructure, energy systems and climate change, noting each of those areas can create jobs as the country moves forward.

State provides update on school staff vaccinations

The state of Vermont's efforts to roll out vaccinations for school employees has gone well for the most part, though with a few "bumps in the road", according to state education officials.

On Monday, the state began vaccine eligibility for teachers, school staff and child care providers. This included school-based clinics offered around the state.

At Friday's press briefing, Education Secretary Dan French said there were some issues regarding the location of vaccination appointments, as some appointment slots filled up more quickly than others.

“I just wanted to assure people that new clinics will be implemented as the supply increases, so school staff should not worry about being able to get an appointment if they weren't able to get one this week," French said.

Additionally, school staff in Vermont can also get vaccinated through the federal pharmacy program, which includes over 20 Walgreens locations throughout the state. French encouraged school staff to check on Walgreens appointment slots for availability as well, at walgreens.com.

Also on Friday, French shared a note of progress for the return to in-person learning. In February, Vermont schools saw slight increases of in-person learning across all grade levels.

"As the weather gets warmer and vaccination expands, we can expect to see the amount of in-person continue to increase in the coming weeks," French said.

As of Friday, over 11,000 educators, school staff, and child care providers have made appointments.

Also this week, vaccine registration opened for all Vermonters over age 16 with certain high-risk health conditions, and 21,700 people in that group of about 75,000 have signed up.

For appointments and eligibility details, visit healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or call 855-722-7878.

— Gareth Henderson

Important weeks ahead for next COVID relief bill

A sunset view of the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Work continues on the Biden administration's COVID-19 relief plan, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is hoping for significant progress in the next two weeks.

The $1.9 trillion proposal could help the U.S. return to full employment in a year, Yellen told CNBC on Thursday. She said a plan of that size is needed to weather the economic storm of the pandemic. Some Republicans, who proposed a $618 billion package Democrats rejected, fear "overheating the economy" and causing inflation.

“Inflation has been very low for over a decade, and you know it’s a risk, but it’s a risk that the Federal Reserve and others have tools to address,” Yellen told CNBC. “The greater risk is of scarring the people, having this pandemic take a permanent lifelong toll on their lives and livelihoods.”

The administration's current proposal would provide $1,400 direct payments to most Americans and would begin gradually increasing the U.S. minimum wage to $15 per hour. The bill also has significant funding for vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, and it contains state and local funding that governors of both parties have been requesting for months.

The minimum wage increase, enhanced unemployment insurance and an expanded child tax credit in particular have drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers, Business Insider reports. COVID-related unemployment benefits start expiring on March 14.

Conversations continue between the Biden administration and some Senate Republicans about the relief bill, though the White House proposal has won no Republican support in Congress so far, according to ABC News.

Maryland’s Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who met with President Joe Biden last week, warned the president against passing the relief bill with only Democratic support — which the majority could do. According to ABC, Hogan told Biden doing that may complicate future work on major issues like infrastructure or rebuilding the economy.

"I said to him, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should," Hogan told ABC News on Sunday. "And I said that I thought that it was good for his agenda over the next four years if he started out by getting some Republicans on board in a bipartisan way."

House leadership is hoping for a relief bill vote in that chamber by the end of next week.

According to a recent CBS News/YouGov poll, 83% of Americans approve of Congress passing a new economic relief package.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. governor eyes economic recovery in budget plan

A scenic view from Mount Tom in Woodstock, Vermont. (Meg Henderson Photo)

With higher-than-expected revenue providing a boost, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is proposing a range of investments to fuel the state's recovery from the pandemic and sustain the economy.

In his address to the Legislature on Tuesday, Scott pitched a $6.8 billion state budget, including $210 million in one-time investments in the state, including more funding for the Vermont State Colleges System, broadband, weatherization efforts and brownfield rehabilitation. The $210 million is fueled by federal aid, and Scott emphasized using one-time funds in a way that has long-term benefits.

"How we choose to proceed, the priorities we choose to set and how we spend one-time money will have a lasting impact on Vermont," Scott said. "If we're cautious, we can solve problems and fund projects that have been stalled for years, improving communities, services, outcomes and state government itself, and lay the foundation for an economic resurgence around the state, without having to ask more from taxpayers to do so."

The governor's proposal also included $680 million for roads, bridges, and other transportation projects and $1.89 billion for preK-12 education. Scott is also looking to exempt child care organizations from property taxes.

On Tuesday, Scott also repeated his call for taking a hard look at the preK-12 education system and its funding, to give "every student the same chance to succeed."

"This year, that has to include tackling the impact of remote learning on our kids," he said. "So, the Agency of Education and Department of Health are working with school leaders on how to measure, and then address, the developmental gaps students might have."

As for the Vermont State Colleges System, the governor called his current proposal a "one-year bridge, with one-time money." Last year, a proposal by then-Chancellor Jeb Spaulding to shudder several campuses sparked an outcry. Long-held financial issues in the system had greatly deepened during the pandemic.

"My budget proposes $20 million in addition to (the college system's) $30-million base appropriation, giving Vermont State Colleges a total of $139 million in state and federal funds in two years," Scott said. "We do, however, have to be realistic. Like our pension system, our state colleges need restructuring as well. It’s my hope the State College Board, in partnership with the Legislature, will continue working to address the underlying structural issues we face."

The budget proposal also includes more funding for the state's Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit program and the Vermont Housing Investment Program — parts of an effort to boost local economic development. 

Additionally, the $20 million broadband package in Scott's budget plan anticipates additional relief money from Congress. The $20 million in broadband funding includes $2.5 million to extend internet to more Vermont homes; $1.5 million to help our local utility and communications districts plan for broadband buildout; and a nearly $16 million dollar fund for grants and loans to expand broadband in the areas that need it.

"Broadband is an area we know will grow the economy, increase equity and quality in education and expand our workforce," the governor said. 

Click here for the governor’s full budget address provided by Vermont Public Radio.

— Gareth Henderson

Relief grants expanded for businesses

A couple of hay bales hang out in a field off Cloudland Road in Pomfret earlier this fall. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

More grant money is now available for Vermont businesses to help ease economic pressure from the pandemic as the months grow ever colder.

On Tuesday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced another $76 million in Economic Recovery Grants funded by relief money from the federal CARES Act. The package includes additional relief for some sole proprietors and new businesses that didn’t qualify for grants earlier this year.

“We know many businesses and sectors in the state continue to feel the negative impacts of COVID-19 and the steps we’ve had to take to keep Vermonters safe,” Scott said in a statement. “With these grants, we are working to support those sectors most impacted by this pandemic and help them survive into the winter months.”  

At a Tuesday press briefing, the governor particularly noted the impact on the hospitality sector, which depends hugely on tourism and accounts for over 30,000 jobs in the state. He called for Congress to pass another relief bill — something it hasn't done since March. 

"What we need is for Congress and the White House to put politics aside, come together and provide another stimulus package just a soon as possible to help the states survive and recover," Scott said.  

As for the newly expanded grants, Vermont businesses and nonprofits, including sole proprietors, can apply. To be eligible, applicants must have seen a decline in total sales between March and September of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, and they must demonstrate unmet need. 

Unlike the prior round of recovery grants, this new one is open to sole proprietorships and new businesses that did not have a full year of revenue to show from 2019. Another key difference: This expanded program will not be first come, first served. Instead, grants will be distributed in late November after the total unmet need of all qualifying businesses has been determined.  

State officials also noted there is a $300,000 limit for total grants received by any applicant, and previously received economic recovery grants count against that total. 

Businesses and nonprofits that collect and remit Meals and Rooms Tax or Sales and Use Tax may apply through the Department of Taxes. All others, including those who have previously received a grant from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), may apply to ACCD. Visit the ACCD Recovery Resource Center for full details. 

The Department of Taxes application is open now through the myVTax portal until midnight, Oct. 30. ACCD will open their application in the next week and the window to submit applications will also be two weeks.    

In addition, ACCD and the Department of Taxes will host informational webinars on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Friday, Oct. 23, to review program eligibility, application process, and answer questions from business owners.  

— Gareth Henderson

Progress 2020: The Census in Vermont

Brilliant fall colors on display in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After having one of the nation's worst participation rates earlier this year, Vermont has made great progress in responding to the 2020 U.S. Census, Gov. Phil Scott recently announced. 

"I'm pleased to report, while we previously lagged behind in the rankings, we're now fifth in the country, and on track to match our 2010 response," Scott said at a Friday press conference.

As of Sunday, 60.1 percent of Vermont households had responded to the Census; the state's 2010 response was 60.3 percent. 

Vermonters' initially slow response in the spring and most of the summer sparked several announcements from state officials urging people to participate, as the results impact each state’s federal funding. Officials noted the Census impact goes well beyond relief funds and also brings in federal dollars for infrastructure projects, school lunches and other needs. About $2.5 billion in federal funding comes back to Vermont because of the Census.

Last Friday, the governor said the state could do "even better", and he asked those who haven't done so, to fill out their form. Federal officials on Monday announced plans to conclude the Census on Oct. 5, despite a court order to stick with the original Oct. 31 end date. Earlier this year, in-person data collection was delayed for many weeks due to the pandemic. The Census can be completed online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.

Vermont's increased participation in the 2020 Census is already a note of progress in turbulent times. Whether it's next week or on Halloween, it appears the Census will conclude in October. If you haven't filled out the form just yet, it quite literally is a five-minute process, and an easy way to help your state. Vermonters: Let's go for that 60.3 percent.

— Gareth Henderson

Restrictions on lodging may loosen soon

Sun and shadow blend in this mountain view from Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The Vermont lodging industry might see a loosening of restrictions before foliage season, if the state's COVID-19 metrics stay low. Hotels, inns and other lodging businesses have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic, being required to keep capacity at no more than 50 percent of total rooms since early summer.  

At a Friday press conference, Gov. Phil Scott said the state may "open that spigot a bit more" on the economy, if the data remains favorable. Vermont still has the nation's lowest positivity rate for COVID-19. In the past week, the state conducted 15,000 tests of college and university students who returned and just five were positive, bringing the total number of students who have tested positive to 38. That's well below any number that would spark concern about community spread, officials noted. 

With those kinds of numbers, the governor said he could see loosening restrictions on the hospitality sector in a couple of weeks or sooner. 

"If things continue the way they are, we'll be announcing some opening of the spigot possibly next week ... but again, it's all reliant on the data and the science, making sure it's safe to do so," Scott said.

Earlier in the summer, the state slowed down its reopening activity due to the multiple spikes in cases around the country. Regionally, Friday bought the good news that overall COVID-19 cases dropped slightly last week in the Northeast. Also, there were some improvements reported on the regional travel map showing who can travel to Vermont without having to quarantine, with more areas in the Northeast fitting that definition, including Cape Cod and parts of New York. From the states on that map, total of 5.5 million individuals can now come to Vermont without a quarantine, up from 5.2 million last week. Those numbers may also help turn the state toward further reopening activity for lodging and hospitality. 

Also on Friday, Scott extended the state of emergency to Oct. 15, which allows the state to quickly adjust or add to the statewide measures put in place. The governor said he knows many will be disappointed at the idea of having to continue with economic restrictions, but he said these decisions are based on data and science to keep Vermonters safe. 

"Rest assured we'll get through this. I know we will, and with Vermont ingenuity and perseverance, we'll be stronger as a result."  

— Gareth Henderson

Governor unveils $133M relief plan

Sole proprietors, the hospitality sector and some nonprofits are among those that would benefit from a new proposal by Vermont Gov. Phil Scott using federal pandemic relief money.

The $133 million economic aid plan was unveiled Friday and awaits the Legislature’s consideration when lawmakers return Aug. 25 to resume work on the fiscal-year 2021 state budget.

The governor’s new relief proposal draws on part of the $1.25 billion the state received from the federal CARES Act. The plan focuses on four key areas of continued investment to help Vermonters struggling under COVID-19’s financial impact:

• Additional funding for Economic Recovery Grants to help fill gaps in the original program, to include sole proprietors, certain types of nonprofits, new businesses, and those with less than 50% loss that is sustained over a longer period. ($23 million)

• Targeted hospitality and tourism funding to address areas of need as fall and winter approach and travel restrictions and capacity limits remain in place. ($50 million)

• $150 dollars to every Vermont household as part of a buy local campaign to spur economic activity that supports local businesses. ($50 million)

• Economic Development and Tourism Marketing funds that will, within the context of COVID-19, leverage social, earned, and owned media to bring more out-of-state revenue. ($10 million)

For more details, visit this link to information from state commerce officials.

In a statement on Friday, Scott said this is the latest effort by his administration to keep the economy moving as Vermont confronts major challenges.

“As we navigate this pandemic, we must ensure our economy stays on track so it can thrive in the future,” he said. “We believe addressing recovery grant gaps, supporting hardest hit sectors with targeted support, financially empowering Vermonters to buy local products, and marketing our state as a place to live, work, and play can help us get through the challenging months ahead.”

Many states continue to roll out proposals backed by CARES Act money to help businesses in urgent need and maintain jobs. But another factor is a stipulation that states must use CARES Act funding by the end of the year, or lose the money. Many states had hoped for greater flexibility, but there has been no such help from Washington. With remaining CARES Act funds, we hope new rounds of relief funding in Vermont and other states are useful supports for businesses trying to sustain their operations.

— Gareth Henderson