The state has awarded more than $417,000 in Municipal Planning Grants to forty-five communities across the state to help them plan for growth and development.
Officials at the Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development announced the Municipal Planning Grants of up to $15,000, which can be used for a variety of planning projects.
‘These grants support the planning activities that are at the heart of Vermont’s Smart Growth strategy,’ said Tayt Brooks, Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. ‘While the budget crisis has curtailed the amount available, these investments will help promote economic activity, community development, and housing in our downtowns and village centers, while protecting Vermont’s working landscape.’
The Municipal and Regional Planning Fund was first established in 1988 as a way to support municipal planning and development. The program offers grants of up to $15,000 through a competitive process. Municipalities were funded to support updating town plans, zoning bylaws, and capital improvement plans, as well as special planning projects relating to downtown and village revitalization, growth center planning and economic development planning efforts.
‘The program priorities were established through a municipal survey, which indicated a strong interest in supporting downtown, village center, and growth centers,’ said Brooks. ‘The awards also reflect an increased focus on municipal infrastructure, which the survey indicated was a strong concern in our communities.’
Communities have 18 months to complete their planning projects.
2011 Municipal Planning Grant Awards
Vermont announces $417,660 in municipal planning grants
Submitted by tim
on