Current News

Vermont Business Magazine US Transportation Secretary Elaine L Chao announced today that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will award $366.2 million in grants to improve the safety and reliability of America’s bus systems and enhance mobility for transit riders. Vermont will get $2 million. A total of 107 projects in 50 states and territories will receive funding from FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program.

The Vermont Agency for Transportation will receive funding for the construction of the Bradford Vermont Public Transit Facility. The project will provide a base for rural transit operations for service to a region in east-central Vermont valued at $2,080,000.

A full list of the selected projects is available online.

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded the City of Winooski a package of loans and grants totaling more than $8.5 million for upgrades to the city’s drinking water and wastewater systems, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) announced Tuesday. The infrastructure upgrades are a key element in the city’s vision to undertake a $23 million effort to revitalize Main Street north of downtown, they said in a statement. The proposed project also includes improved pedestrian and bike amenities, undergrounding telecom and cable lines, and rebuilt sidewalks and streetscapes.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington residents will soon have the chance to weigh in on the future of Burlington High School (BHS). The City Council approved a resolution on Monday allowing Burlington School District (BSD) to place a bond question on the November ballot. The bond question will ask voters to allow the district to borrow up to, but not more than, $70 million for the District’s flagship educational institution. Council supported the measure 11-1.

Vermont Business Magazine TD Bank announced today that its Commercial Lending Group in Vermont closed a $3.5 million credit line for NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, based in West Rutland. TD Bank’s capital allows NeighborWorks to provide down payments or second mortgage loans to local home buyers. The line was closed by Chris Hackett, TD Bank senior relationship manager. Through this funding, NeighborWorks anticipates helping 100 prospective homeowners in the area.

The organization's assistance means residents who do not have large cash down payments available can still buy a home and avoid private market insurance costs. Since 1986, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont has worked to strengthen the development of the regional economy by promoting safe, efficient and stable housing, as well as support community projects through education, technical assistance and financial services.

by Timothy McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger and Aviation Director Gene Richards today announced that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Burlington International Airport’s credit rating to “BBB” from “BBB-,” and revised the Airport’s credit outlook from positive to stable. This upgrade is particularly significant. For the past six years, the Airport’s credit rating has been “BBB-,” which is the lowest a bond can be rated to be considered investment grade. A statement from Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said, "With this ratings upgrade, BTV is crossing an important threshold into greater financial health."

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) announced Monday that Richard Riendeau was fined $9,155 for failing to receive a required permit before commencing heavy cutting on his property in Hardwick. A heavy cut is defined as a harvest leaving a residual stand of healthy trees below the recommended density as defined by the USDA Forest Service silvicultural guides for similar stands. The goal of the Heavy Cut Law is to limit extensive and improper harvesting on large areas of 40 acres or more. Prior to conducting a heavy cut, a Notice of Intent to Cut must be filed and a permit or exemption secured from the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

by John McClaughry For over half a century, the managers of Vermont’s public education system have yearned to consolidate school districts, get rid of “inefficient” small schools, and install progressive ideas that the locals were too obtuse to grasp and implement themselves. Until 2009 those efforts repeatedly failed. But in that year Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca aggressively renewed the push for consolidation. His “Transformation Policy” report recommended that “by July 2012, Vermont’s PreK-12 public education system is constituted into 12 to 24 education districts.” In 2013 Vilaseca explained that “After seven or eight years, if the districts haven’t joined together, then the State will come in.” He did not mean that the State would “come in” with preaching and incentives. He meant that the State would come in with a Big Hammer.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s congressional delegation announced September 14 that U.S.D.A. Rural Development has awarded four grants totaling $204,200 to help combat the opioid epidemic in Vermont. “Vermonters in every corner of the state have been touched by the opioid epidemic and while real progress is being made, we have more work to do. These federal grants will be especially critical to helping Vermonters access treatment and succeed in recovery,” Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.,) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Rep. Peter Welch said.

by Brett Rusch, MD September is Suicide Prevention month and the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) empowers communities to take action to support our Nation’s Veterans. Each community across the country plays a role in supporting Veterans, but as an individual you may not know what to do or where to start. You don’t need to have special training to support the Veteran’s in your life, and we can all do something to help a Veteran who is going through a difficult time. Even seemingly small actions can have a huge impact: Preventing suicide begins with just the willingness to Be There.

Showing your support can be as simple as sending a Veteran a text message- inviting someone over to catch up or sharing a positive thought are both great ways to communicate that you care. Your words could be exactly what a Veteran in crisis needs to hear, and could be a reminder of the many people out there who are willing to listen.

Vermont Business Magazine Christine Hallquist is honored to receive the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders in her bid to be the next Governor of Vermont. Bernie has been a tireless advocate for all Vermonters. The Senator’s 2016 presidential campaign brought his principles to the national stage, where he sparked a new wave of democratic engagement.

Vermont Business Magazine The Community Health Centers of Burlington (CHCB) is one of 10 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Vermont to receive federal funding to further their efforts in combatting the national opioid crisis and its impact on the local community. Two years ago, CHCB had 250 patients in treatment for opioid use disorder; today, as one of the largest primary care “spokes” in Chittenden County, they provide treatment to 430 Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC) will once again offer flu vaccinations to help residents of the Upper Valley avoid the physical discomfort of flu season. But to help residents avoid waiting in line, MAHHC now offers express appointments during regular business hours on designated flu shot days.

“We want to encourage everyone to receive their shot this flu season by removing any potential inconvenience” says Joseph Perras, President, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of MAHHC. “Flu season typically runs from October to May, with “peak season” between December and February so we urge everyone to take this important step now to help avoid a potential encounter with the flu virus” noted Margaret Worth, RN, CPHQ, CIC Infections Preventionist/Quality Specialist at MAHHC.