Governor Peter Shumlin, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, and SerVermont today announced $380,000 in AmeriCorps funding dedicated to a new AmeriCorps State program that will create service positions for recent college graduates focused on supporting clean water in Vermont. The funding will give a significant boost to the State’s clean water efforts just one week after the Governor signed into law comprehensive legislation to clean up Lake Champlain and other Vermont waterways. The funding is part of $1.7 million in AmeriCorps grants that will enable 198 AmeriCorps members across the state to tackle this and other critical challenges in Vermont such as improving access to affordable housing, providing services to youth in military and veteran families, and increasing cultural competency in Chittenden County.
The $380,000 for water quality will create the Environmental Careers and Opportunities (ECO) Vermont program, which will be administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Under ECO Vermont, DEC will oversee a team of up to 25 full and part-time AmeriCorps members who will be hosted by local governments or non-profit organizations to work on projects designed to enhance the quality of water in the Vermont’s streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Through this work, AmeriCorps members will gain valuable on-the-job training that will help them develop skills for future employment opportunities.
ECO Vermont is funded under a special Governor and Mayor Initiative designed to encourage governors and mayors to work together to create programs that address significant problems in their states. Gov. Shumlin applied for the grant in the Fall 2014, with the support of Mayor Weinberger of Burlington, Mayor Elizabeth Gamache of St. Albans, and then Mayor Michael O’Brien of Winooski. Initially the program will prioritize projects focused on the restoration of clean water in the Lake Champlain watershed. Longer term, the program will expand to serve communities across the state to address a range of environmental challenges such as implementing recycling and composting programs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. More information about the program can be found at http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/co/ecovermont.htm.
Shumlin said, “this is a terrific new program that will enhance Vermont’s reputation as a leader in the development of green jobs, and help our communities protect Vermont’s green hills and sparkling waters.”
“We anticipate that this exciting new program will play an important role in identifying and addressing the many conditions in an urban area that contribute to run-off, erosion, and damage to the lake,” said Burlington Mayor Weinberger. “These Americorps members contributing to the long-term, critical effort to protect the lake join the many other Burlington members whose service is making our City stronger, safer, healthier, and more equitable."
SerVermont Executive Director Philip Kolling is excited about this new program, and how it will expand opportunities to serve with AmeriCorps in Vermont. “The ECO Program will be increasing the number of AmeriCorps members serving in Vermont in a very strategic way to address a top priority,” said Kolling. “We have been thrilled to see Governor Shumlin, the mayors, and Commissioner Mears join together to really tackle this challenge.”
Vermont Environmental Commissioner David Mears encouraged municipal governments, watershed organizations, conservation districts and others to apply to host AmeriCorps members through the ECO Vermont program. “This program provides a well-timed boost to our state’s efforts to advance clean water, and will provide an opportunity for many communities and organizations across Vermont to work with talented and hardworking recent college graduates to protect our waters,” said Mears.
The $1.7 million in AmeriCorps funding is made possible through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and will enable nearly 200 AmeriCorps members to work with more than 75 organizations throughout Vermont.
“National service is an essential part of the solution to many of the challenges facing our state,” said Shumlin. “These AmeriCorps members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen communities as they develop civic and leadership skills to last a lifetime. I congratulate these outstanding organizations and thank all those who serve their communities through AmeriCorps.”
“AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,” said CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer. “Building on Vermont’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across the state. As they serve others, AmeriCorps members will also expand opportunity for themselves - gaining skills and experience to jumpstart their careers.”
Below is a listing of 2015 AmeriCorps grants in Vermont.
Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
- $368,669 dollars awarded for 36 AmeriCorps Member positions
- $171,929 made available in Education Awards
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, ECO Vermont Program
- $263,384 dollars awarded for 25 AmeriCorps Member positions
- $114,600 made available in Education Awards
Washington County Youth Services Bureau/Boys and Girls Club
Vermont Youth Development Corps AmeriCorps State Program
- $325,000 dollars awarded for 26 AmeriCorps Member positions
- $148,980 made available in Education Awards
Burlington Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO)
We All Belong AmeriCorps State Program
- $189,605 dollars awarded for 22 AmeriCorps Member positions
- $86,282 made available in Education Awards
AmeriCorps State Formula Funding through SerVermont (various programs and planning grants)
- $600,000 will be awarded between programs for 88 AmeriCorps Member positions
- $143,280 made available in Education Awards