Current News
by tim
Program Director Jody Evans Leaving Vermont Public Radio
COLCHESTER, Vt. -- July 25, 2008 -- Jody Evans, director of programming for Vermont Public Radio (VPR), will leave the station in August to become program director at KUT Radio in Austin, Texas.
Evans joined VPR in 1998, and was named Director of Programming in 1999. Her oversight of multiple program schedules, marketing, on-air fundraising, website, and all aspects of VPR's broadcast services helped VPR become one of the most listened-to public radio networks in the country. KUT is a large station serving a growing community, including one of the largest university systems in the country. The station has a contemporary music-focused format combined with a strong lineup of National Public Radio (NPR) programming.
by tim
Governor Douglas Announces $1 Million in Grants for Economic Development, Housing, Home Heating Projects
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (July 24, 2008)- Governor Jim Douglas has announced the award of more than $1 million in community development grants to five communities that will create new jobs by helping an employer lower their energy costs; rehabilitate and build new affordable housing; and help low-income Vermonters heat their homes this winter.
At a ceremony at Weidmann Electrical Technology Inc. today the governor announced that the largest Vermont Community Development Program award - $460,000 - will help St. Johnsbury develop, build, and lease a high voltage substation to supply the company with lower cost electric power.
"As a result WETI will lower its overall electrical costs, create 12 jobs, and further secure its future in St. Johnsbury," Douglas said. "This is an investment in a company and jobs that are critical to this area and this state."v
by tim
During their annual in Philadelphia last week, the nation's governors decided to send a letter to Congress calling for at least a 5-year extension of the renewable energy tax credit, including the clean renewable energy bonds.
The letter, signed by 51 of the nation's governors, including Govenror Douglas, encourages Congress to develop incentives for programs that help families and businesses use energy-efficient building techniques, materials and equipment. Governors also urge Congress to partner with states to pass this bipartisan legislation this year.
Letter
July 23, 2008
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable John Boehner
by tim
Vermonters live in a place where the mountains, as well as the businesses and employees behind them, embody the "green" in the Green Mountain State. Now, Vermont's official seasonal guidebooks will reflect our lodging facilities' environmental commitment.
Beginning with the 2009 Winter Vacation Guide, Vermont's designated "Green Hotels," who also participate in the seasonal guides published by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, have another opportunity to market their stewardship by taking advantage of a new initiative that allows for a green leaf symbol next to their guidebook listing.
by tim
Winooski River Rapid Impeded by Bridge Debris
MONTPELIER - Debris associated with the Route 2 bridge span that toppled into the Winooski River earlier this week has been lodged in a nearby river rapid and poses a danger to paddlers using the Winooski.
Canoeists, kayakers and others recreating in this section of the Winooski should exercise caution when paddling the river as the debris has the potential to be dangerous if a boater were to be swept into it.
Junkyard Rapid, the first major river feature below the Route 2 bridge being demolished on the Middlesex/Moretown line, has collected some debris from the structure that fell into the Winooski River due to high water. Junkyard Rapid is located behind the auto salvage yard along Route 2 between Waterbury and Middlesex, and can be seen from the road. Anyone boating this stretch of river below the bridge demolition project should use extreme caution.
by tim
Report: State Could Improve Policy, Offset Oil Costs
NRDC Report Says Transportation Planning Can Buffer Automotive Fuel Costs
Vermont could be doing more to protect its citizens from the high costs
of fuel oil for our cars and trucks, according to a new report released
by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a national environmental
group.
States that adopt laws to promote clean and efficient vehicles, prevent
sprawl, and invest in public transit, are helping protect their citizens
from high oil prices, according to the report, "Fighting Oil Addiction:
Ranking States' Oil Vulnerability and Solutions for Change."
"Based on this report, the results for Vermont are mixed," said Brian
Shupe, the sustainable communities director and energy co-director for
the Vermont Natural Resources Council. "Despite our green image and
reputation for forward-thinking policy, this report shows that Vermont
by tim
Berlin, VT - More than 100 Vermont non-profit organizations have received grants totaling $205,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) in the first half of 2008, the states largest health insurer announced today.
The funds are granted to improve health education and promote healthy lifestyles, and for direct services. BCBSVT executives cited the connection between improved health and lower health insurance rates as the incentive for its support and collaboration with community-based organizations receiving the grants. Individual grants typically range between $250 and $2,000.
by tim
Vermont Nonprofits Receive More Than $200,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont for Health Improvement Projects
Berlin, VT - More than 100 Vermont non-profit organizations have received grants totaling $205,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) in the first half of 2008, the state's largest health insurer has announced.
The funds are granted to improve health education and promote healthy lifestyles, and for direct services. BCBSVT executives cited the connection between improved health and lower health insurance rates as the incentive for its support and collaboration with community-based organizations receiving the grants. Individual grants typically range between $250 and $2,000.
by tim
Douglas urges special session over Safe Communities legislation
(July 21, 2008) Official Statement of Governor Douglas on a Special Session and Senate Hearings on Safe Communities Legislation:
I met this afternoon with Senator Shumlin and Speaker Symington to urge them to support a special session to pass a civil confinement law to prevent the release of violent sexual predators, an expanded sex offender registry to empower parents with more information and a Jessica's Law for Vermont to ensure convicted pedophiles are off our streets and behind bars for a very long time.
We should take immediate action in these areas. Unfortunately, progress is impeded by a lack of support from Speaker Symington and Senator Shumlin.
by tim
Stantec helping Vermont Tech build new fire training facility
NORTH SPRINGFIELD VT (July 22, 2008) TSX:STN; NYSE:SXC
Local engineering firm Stantec is helping Vermont Technical College build new training equipment for its Fire Science degree program.
Engineers from the company's North Springfield and South Burlington offices are designing the site's new access road, parking, water main and storage tank, and electrical services for the equipment, which will serve as a "live-burn" training center for firefighters in training at Vermont Tech, the Vermont Fire Academy and local community fire departments. Stantec is also managing the site's permitting, including that related to Act 250 and stormwater management.
by tim
Symington, Shumlin say "false claims" made by PSD over Yankee request
(July 21,2008) During the 2008 session the legislature put in place a collaborative process between the Department of Public Service and a Public Oversight Panel for design and implementation of the independent safety assessment of Vermont Yankee. This Panel is critical to the legislature's upcoming consideration of Vermont Yankee's future.
We are disappointed to learn that the Department of Public Service has chosen not to supply the Panel with the necessary information to evaluate the safety inspection of Vermont Yankee and treated them with a level of disrespect that is unacceptable.
by tim
Vermont Achieves Record Safety Belt Use
Earns $3.7 Million in Additional Transportation & Public Safety Funding
Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Jim Douglas today announced that the state's Click It or Ticket campaign has resulted in a record safety belt use rate of 87.3% in Vermont and an additional $3.7 million for the state's transportation and public safety programs.
Governor Douglas said this is the highest safety belt use rate ever documented in Vermont.