Current News

by Michael Smith In all likelihood, it didn’t take a political poll for him to make his decision. Governors are made keenly aware of the public’s views as they travel the state for meetings, events and parades. This is a state where governors are incredibly close to the people they serve. The reportedly cool receptions he was receiving at events must have been an indication Vermonters wanted change.

And so, with the announcement this week that he will not seek re-election, a political career will come to an end and Gov. Peter Shumlin will step down in January 2017.

by Sarah Olsen vtdigger.org A $17.8 million grant was awarded Friday to further biomedical research and education for all of Vermont’s colleges. The National Institutes of Health grant is the third to be awarded to the Vermont Genetics Network, which is based at the University of Vermont and serves UVM, the state college system, St. Michael’s College, Middlebury College and Norwich University.

“These resources will help to ensure that the Vermont Genetics Network can continue to make critical investments in college lab classes, innovative research efforts, and Vermont’s reputation as a leader in biomedical advancement,” Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, said at a ceremony Friday.

Leahy is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds the National Institutes of Health. Since 2005, Leahy has helped to secure $56.3 million in funding for the Vermont Genetics Network, according to a news release.

Elliot Burg, who has served as an assistant attorney general since 1987, has decided to retire from the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. "I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity, for so many years, to work in the AG's Office on protecting Vermont consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. At the same time, I’m looking forward to being with my family more, and to pursuing my longstanding interests in photography, music, and international volunteer work," said Burg.

by Amy Ash Nixon vtdigger.org Burlington’s Development Review Board has approved plans for two new dormitories on the University of Vermont campus. The review board approved the plans following a deliberative session on Monday evening, a spokeswoman in the mayor’s office said. A final public hearing for the dorms was held last week at Burlington City Hall.

The new plans for the UVM dormitory on what’s currently University Place. (Rendering obtained from public records in the City of Burlington.)

As a result of a reduction in their FY16 budget passed by the Legislature in May, the Department of Libraries will reduce hours of operation and phase out Law Library services at the Vermont State Library, located in the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, beginning July 1. The Department of Libraries has developed a plan for moving forward with a reduction of over $400,000 in state general funds. The first major change comes with trimming State Library hours, library staff, library collection purchases, and ending legal reference service. Beginning July 1, the State Library will be open Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 4 pm, and closed on Fridays. The Library will retain its current print, state documents, and Vermont newspaper microfilm collections, but will not maintain the law collection.

FairPoint Communications, Inc (Nasdaq: FRP), a leading provider of advanced communications technology in northern New England and the largest in Vermont, opened a new data center Thursday in Manchester, NH. Located in downtown Manchester, FairPoint's newest data center provides businesses and organizations with network connectivity and rack space in a physically secure, convenient location. Businesses can use this location and FairPoint's data center in Laconia, NH, as primary or secondary data center sites or as part of a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy. FairPoint's data centers are strictly controlled environments with essential power, cooling, connectivity and physical security features.

Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims in Vermont fell slightly for the third week. Claims are down to their typically low summer level. There were 422 new, regular benefit claims for Unemployment Insurance in Vermont, a decrease of 22 from the previous week's total and 19 more than they were a year ago. Generally, claims have been running below last year's totals.

Altogether 4,477 new and continuing claims were filed, a decrease of 184 from a week ago, and 539 fewer than a year ago. The Department processed 0 First Tier claims for benefits under Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008 (EUC08). The total for all programs was 4,477 claims, 184 fewer than last week, and 552 fewer than the same time last year.

Mayor Miro Weinberger today officially re-opened the Archibald neighborhood garden, which has been fully rehabilitated following the City’s recent purchase of the land from the Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties (VNA). The garden, located at 28 Archibald Street near the Integrated Arts Academy and across the street from the Old North End Farmers’ Market, has been a vibrant community hub since 2007, when a group of Old North End residents came together to grow their own fresh, healthy food. The site now provides garden space for 24 households and several youth groups.

Governor Peter Shumlin today signed into law a comprehensive energy bill that will create 1,000 new jobs, save Vermonters $390 million on energy costs, and help Vermont combat climate change by putting the state on track to achieve a quarter of its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The legislation also creates an innovative new program under which Vermont utilities will help customers reduce fossil fuel use and save money on their energy bills.

“Vermont is leading America in getting energy policy right,” Shumlin said. “This bill will help us take our innovation to the next level, enabling us to create jobs, save Vermonters money, and continue to make progress combating climate change. Under this bill, Vermont will pioneer a new model where utilities will be in the business of helping customers use less energy, save money, and ensure the energy they do use is from renewable sources. That’s the future of energy in America, and it’s starting right here in Vermont.”

Today seven teams that participated in the ninth annual Way to Go! Smart Trip Challenge were honored at the State House for reducing traffic, pollution and the cost of transportation. The teams were recognized by Vermont Agency of Transportation Secretary Sue Minter for finding alternative ways to travel for two weeks this spring. Instead of driving solo, participants carpooled, car shared, telecommuted, biked, walked, or took public transportation. Master of Ceremonies, Lori Fisher of the Lake Champlain Committee, awarded Carbon Cups to the businesses, school, community and team with the highest percentage of participants and the highest carbon emission savings.

The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it awarded $50,650 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the communities it serves in Vermont. Six organizations received funding in support of activities ranging from job training and financial literacy to education and afterschool programs. Recipients included Stern Center for Language and Learning, Umbrella of St. Johnsbury, Windham Child Care Association, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Sara M Holbrook Community Center, and Vermont Community Loan Fund.

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) announced Wednesday that construction on the first phases of the long anticipated Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is under way. By the end of summer this year, more than 33 miles – or one third of the trail – will be useable for 4-season recreation. When complete, the LVRT will span the width of Vermont 93.2 miles from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. VAST is actively seeking public support and new committee members for the trail construction and has sponsorship opportunities and additional information about how to help on its website www.lvrt.org.