F-35s finally arrive in Vermont
Under a rare sun of late summer, two F-35s of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th fighter wing came roaring out of the West September 19 to a smattering of applause, circled Burlington International Airport, simulated a couple of touch-and-goes and finally landed at their home base for the first time. They sported a VT and Guard logo on the tail and a new symbol for a new mission on the fuselage, the Yellow Scorpions. The question of how loud they are cannot yet be answered until they eventually take off, but one observer offered that they sounded "throatier" than their predecessors the F-16s, while another said they didn't seem louder, "just different."
Mary Powell to leave GMP, Mari McClure to become CEO Jan 1, 2020
Green Mountain Power has announced that Mary Powell, president and CEO for 12 years, will leave the company at the end of the year after more than two decades of transformational leadership in energy and innovation. GMP also announced Senior Vice President Mari McClure as the next president and CEO of GMP. McClure, a 10-year veteran of GMP.
GMCB holds hospital budgets under targets, total increase 4.3%
The Green Mountain Care Board has approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budgets for Vermont’s 14 regulated hospitals. The Board provided the hospitals with instructions outlining budget parameters and submission guidelines that included a target of 3.5 percent for growth in net patient revenue from the FY 2019 base to FY 2020 budgets. The GMCB approved an estimated weighted average increase in hospital charges of 3.1 percent. The Board also reduced the system-wide increase in net patient revenue from a requested 4.6 percent to 4.3 percent, totaling a $7.3 million difference. The Board will issue written hospital budget decisions and orders no later than October 1, 2019.
GMP rates increase 2.7 percent on October 1
The Public Utilities Commission has approved a three-year rate increase for Green Mountain Power of 2.72 percent beginning October 1. This will apply to residential, commercial and industrial rates. This is about $4 increase on the typical residential bill.
There also will be two temporary line item charges on top of that: A storm charge of about one dollar and an ash borer remediation of a few cents.
The GMP rates still will be the second lowest in New England (Maine lowest). GMP rates have increased slower than rate of inflation for 20 years. GMP is the state's largest utility.
Burlington International Airport awarded $15.9M for taxiway
Burlington International Airport will receive $15.9 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to continue its work on a parallel taxiway. The grant is the largest single award ever received by the airport. The funding will allow for the reconstruction of Taxiway G to the existing taxiway B/K intersection generating a full parallel taxiway with the main Runway 15/33; creating a more efficient operation and reducing noise levels for residents along Airport Drive.
General Fund taxes missed goals in August
General Funds were below target for August, while Transportation and Education Funds were above targets, reversing a trend. Personal income tax receipts for many months have been pushing the state into a surplus. But the PI failed to meet expectations by more than $2 million for the month. All three of the major taxes were off for the month. The year-to-date GF target is still ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, the Sales tax, which has struggled the last few years, was above its target by nearly 3 percent. And the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Purchase & Use, which have also lagged, made comebacks and beat the year-to-date targets, finally.
Unemployment rate holds at 2.1 percent, labor force falls
According to household data released from the Vermont Department of Labor, the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for August was 2.1 percent. This reflects no change from the revised July rate. The release of the new data on Vermont households disrupts the previous trend of eight consecutive months of rising number of employed persons and rising labor force. Employment also fell and the jobless number increased. Still, the rate remains at its historic low.
Marlboro College and Bridgeport end merger discussions
Marlboro College and the University of Bridgeport have announced that they have suspended negotiations on a potential merger due to concerns around the sustainability of a merged institution. Both institutions worked diligently on a deal that would have seen Marlboro continue to provide its distinctive teaching tradition on its Vermont campus as the Marlboro College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Bridgeport, providing new geographic and programmatic options available to students on both campuses. The two schools suspended negotiations, citing insurmountable barriers to developing a compelling financial and academic model that supported both institutional missions.
Legendary preservationist Paul Bruhn dies
Preservation Trust of Vermont leader Paul Bruhn died September 19. As PTV’s first and only Executive Director, Paul has been a tireless voice for building community and preserving the essential character of Vermont. Few if any people have had a bigger impact on Vermont over the last forty years. He was born March 27, 1947, in Burlington.
VSCS Board vows to keep Lyndon open, caps tuition increase at 2.9%
The Lyndon campus of Northern Vermont University will remain open, the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees have confirmed. In a resolution passed unanimously at its annual retreat in Fairlee, the VSCS Trustees directed the chancellor to make specific recommendations before December 3 that will position the System for a strong future. Specifically, those recommendations are to include strengthening the newly-unified, two-campus Northern Vermont University. They also voted to cap tuition increases in the VSC system to 2.9 percent.
VEC will return $1.2 million in patronage capital to members
This fall VEC will be returning $1.2 million in patronage capital to its members. This will be the seventh consecutive year that VEC members have received a patronage capital distribution, with over $6 million refunded over that time period.
State gets major $9.5 million CDC opioid grant
The Vermont Department of Health will receive a three-year, $9.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support a comprehensive statewide response to opioid-related overdoses, while strengthening Vermont’s prevention efforts.
The grant will increase the state’s ability to track and respond to overdoses, including those resulting in death; strengthen Vermont’s Prescription Drug Monitoring System, and provide overdose prevention trainings around the state, working with local communities – including libraries -- to better identify overdose risks and strengthen outreach efforts.
Leahy advances $20 million funding to repair Waterbury dam
Senator Patrick Leahy has announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $20 million to repair certain high-risk dams, including the Waterbury Dam, in the Senate’s annual Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The bill was unanimously reported by the committee and must be approved by the full Congress and signed into law by the President.
Economic survey shows Neutral Outlook as business climate sours
The VBR/EPR Business Conditions Survey and Index reveals that two-thirds of respondents shared negative outlooks specifically with ease of hiring for available positions; a majority of respondents expressed a neutral outlook about the state’s overall business climate; optimism has waned slightly over the last quarter; but data indicate Vermont is more positive than the national trends.
UVM's 'Move Mountains' raises $581M from 75,000 donors
The University of Vermont has announced that over 75,000 donors gave more than $581 million to UVM and the University of Vermont Medical Center during Move Mountains: The Campaign for the University of Vermont, which concluded on June 30, 2019. The eight-year fundraising campaign—the most ambitious in the University’s history—was publicly launched in October 2015 with a goal of $500 million. Donors broke fundraising records throughout the campaign and surpassed its goal 11 months ahead of schedule. The final tally of gifts was completed last month.
Scott announces $2.7 million in grants, pushes TIF program
Governor Phil Scott joined local, state and federal partners have announced over $2.7 million in community development grants to 10 communities in six different counties throughout the state. The grants were announced at the St Albans City Hall. Other towns receiving grants were: Barre, Brattleboro, Castleton, Guilford, Milton, Montpelier, Newport, Rutland, and Williston.
St Albans is the site of a successful redevelopment. That redevelopment included Tax Increment Financing. The TIF helped build a new hotel in the city center and transform the downtown. Scott considers the TIF crucial to St Albans' resurgence. He wants to expand the program to towns in the southern part of the state, like Springfield.
Norwich celebrates 200 years with Founder’s Day
Norwich University marked its 200th anniversary with a day of special events at the site of its founding in Norwich, Vermont, on September 28. The public joined Norwich officials, faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends for a full day of activities on the Town Green in Norwich.
Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the US Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States. Norwich is one of the nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
Joe Woodin returns to Vermont to lead Copley Hospital
The Copley Health Systems, Inc has announced that Joseph “Joe” Woodin has been selected to serve as Copley Hospital’s next president and Chief Executive Officer. Woodin will take over leadership of the hospital in mid-October replacing Interim CEO Jeffrey White, who has led the hospital since the departure of Copley’s previous president and CEO Art Mathisen in May. Woodin is a familiar name thanks to his 17 year tenure at Gifford Health Care and Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont, where he served as president and CEO for 16 of those years.
Weinberger, BED release Net Zero energy roadmap
Burlington has released the City’s Net Zero Energy Roadmap. More than a year in the making, the Roadmap studies what it will take for Burlington to accomplish its goal to become a Net Zero Energy city by 2030, and identifies four key pathways to get there. They include: Efficient electric buildings; electric vehicles; District Energy system; and alternative transportation.
Vermont Army Guard scheduled for deployment
An estimated 2,500 soldiers, mainly from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN), which includes soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard, are scheduled to perform a federal active-duty deployment supporting US Central Command, US European Command, and US African Command in 2021. Soldiers assigned to the Garrison Support Command are also included in the notification of sourcing.
Casella gets permits to expand Coventry landfill
Casella Waste Systems has announced that the State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Board have issued all necessary permits and approvals for the company to expand its WasteUSA landfill located in Coventry, Vermont. The expansion will increase the lined disposal area by 51.2 acres, or by approximately 13.7 million cubic yards, which will create approximately 20 years of additional airspace at the current run-rate. The landfill is currently permitted to accept up to 600,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste (MSW).
Airbnb hosts in Vermont made over $20M this summer
Airbnb Vermont hosts earned a combined $20.4 million in supplemental income while welcoming approximately 139,400 guest arrivals to the state this summer, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Airbnb said the summer results follow a similarly successful ski season in Vermont earlier this year, with ski communities welcoming approximately 123,600 guest arrivals and local hosts earning a total of approximately $22.3 million in supplemental income. Chittenden County generated the most Airbnb summer business with over $5 million, with Lamoille next at over $3 million and Rutland and Washington counties next at $2 million.
Shelburne Museum receives $1.5 million gift to endow Education Director chair
Shelburne Museum has announced the endowment of the director of education position made possible by a gift from the Stiller Family Foundation. The Stiller Family Foundation, the foundation of philanthropists Christine and Robert Stiller, gave a generous gift of $1.5 million to endow the Education Department chair. Christine Stiller is a trustee of Shelburne Museum. Robert Stiller founded Keurig Green Mountain. The two are longtime supporters of education initiatives, early childhood development and programs for Vermont school children.
Vermont PBS relocates to new Winooski headquarters
Vermont PBS has moved to new headquarters in Winooski’s Town Center. The new studio will be just a few miles from its longtime Fort Ethan Allen building constructed 50 years ago by the University of Vermont to house Vermont ETV. The new location is at 10 East Allen Street, where it will occupy approximately 20,000 square feet in the VSAC Building.
Winooski awarded $400K VTrans bicycle and pedestrian grant
The City of Winooski has announced that the Vermont Department of Transportation (VTrans) has awarded the City $400,000 through their Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program. Administered through the VTrans Municipal Assistance Bureau (MAB), the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program exists to improve access and safety for people walking and bicycling through the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects.
Vermont launches data-driven review of criminal justice system
The Justice Reinvestment II Working Group, which was created by Governor Phil Scott in Executive Order 03-19, held its first meeting on August 26 to begin a data-driven approach to analyze and address challenges in the state’s adult criminal justice system. The review is part of Vermont’s participation in the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, a federally funded process aimed at helping states get maximum value out of their corrections spending and reinvest in strategies that can reduce recidivism and increase public safety.
VTrans awards $3.6 million in bicycle and pedestrian grants
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is awarding $3.6 million in grants to municipalities for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvement projects. The combination of construction projects and planning grants will benefit cities and towns statewide by improving connectivity and safety for the traveling public as well as providing tangible economic benefits.
$1 million to support improved agricultural water quality
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is pleased to announce that $1 million dollars in funding is available for farmers, custom applicators, non-profit organizations and phosphorus separation equipment providers through the Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP).
Vermont rejects settlement offer from makers of OxyContin
Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan has rejected an offer by the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma which markets the pharmaceutical opioid OxyContin: "The State of Vermont rejected the settlement offer from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for the following reasons. First, the offer is not fully developed and we want to be certain that any benefit is not illusory. The value of the settlement is not fully guaranteed. It has been reported that the total value of the offer is $10-12 billion. That is incorrect. Only a fraction is guaranteed. Vermont demands more certainty and guarantees regarding the money in order to effectively address the opioids crisis in Vermont."
Dealer.com selected as a General Motors website provider
Dealer.com, a Cox Automotive brand based in Burlington, has announced its selection as a website and digital advertising provider for General Motors. Through the Website Choice program, General Motors dealers can leverage Dealer.com’s premier digital marketing solutions, including the latest innovations that are dedicated to forging the shortest and most personalized path to customer engagement and dealership growth.
Lockdown in Montpelier likely caused by umbrella mistaken for gun
The investigation of the incident which prompted the emergency response to 133 State Street and 6 Baldwin Street and the lockdown of several state office buildings in the Montpelier Capitol Complex on Friday, August 30, has been completed. The response resulted from a report from two individuals outside the building that they saw an individual enter 133 State Street carrying what they believed to be a long gun. No gun was found during a search of the buildings and no occupants of the buildings saw a firearm.
One-Pull acquires Quik-Pull
On August 30, One-Pull Wire and Cable Solutions acquired bundled cable manufacturer Quik-Pull from its parent company, Memphis-based Power & Telephone Supply. One-Pull, which was based in Windsor, has consolidated operations at the Quik-Pull plant on Hull Street in Randolph. While the overall corporate name of the brand will be One-Pull Wire and Cable, Quik-Pull's Randolph facility will be the new headquarters for the One-Pull organization.
Champlain Cable invests in workforce development, gets $90K
Champlain Cable Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance wire and cable for use in extreme environments based in Colchester, has been granted $90,400 from the Vermont Training Program (VTP) to enhance employee skill sets and support business growth. The training will aide Champlain Cable’s efforts in product innovation, design, and management.
Burlington to redesign some of St Paul reconstruction
Burlington Public Works will re-do part of the Great Streets St Paul project and has proposed modifications to the St Paul & Maple, and St Paul & King intersections in downtown Burlington. Complaints about the project have been several, but mainly centering on the length of the project and the narrowness of the turning lanes, along with the height of the curbing. Some drivers have noted that they can't make the turn without scraping the edge of their car and others have noted that the turn requires backing up of either the car making the turn or the one waiting at the stop sign to allow room for the car turning in.
The project was supposed to be completed last June and then by the end of August and now the end of September on the $4.9 million project(link is external). Not just drivers have complained about the length of the project and the logistics, but businesses along St Paul and side streets have complained that they've lost business because of the work, which closed parts of St Paul as the infrastructure was upgraded.
Vermont household income up, but lower than US average
Median household income for the United States and 14 states increased significantly in 2018 from the previous year, according to US Census Bureau data released today. Vermont's income also increased, but remained below the US average ($61,937) and ranked 23rd highest at $60,782. Before the Great Recession in 2009, Vermont was above the US median and gaining. But since, the state has generally been below and struggled to gain strength until recently. Vermont is still below its pre-recession level of $61,368 in 2008. This is the closest it's been.
Housing Campaign: Homes being built, but affordability lags
A campaign to encourage housing production in Chittenden County is keeping apace of its overall production goals, but the gap between housing costs and wages is growing, housing leaders have announced. There were 620 homes developed and ready for occupancy in 2018. Over the first three years of the campaign an average of 758 homes were built each year ahead of the pace needed to meet the campaign’s goal of 3,500 homes over five years. With over 2,200 homes built in the county in the last three years, only 280, or 13%, became permanently affordable. That’s well shy of the campaign’s goal of 20%.
So far, so good for state's PFAS public drinking water testing
The State’s Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is beginning to receive initial testing results for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) levels in public drinking water. The sampling work is part of Act 21, which requires all Public Community and Non-Transient, Non-Community drinking water systems in Vermont to test for PFAS by December 1, 2019. To date, 45 public drinking water systems have sampled for PFAS out of a total of 590 systems that have been requested to sample for PFAS. Testing shows that the water in each of the 45 systems currently meets Vermont’s drinking water standard requiring PFAS concentrations below 20 parts per trillion (ppt).
Ascutney Outdoors constructs new T-bar
Now owned by the town of West Windsor, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization called Ascutney Outdoors is putting a ski lift back on Ascutney Mountain, ready for skiing this season. It first opened with a rope town in 1946 and went bankrupt – the first time – in 1950. The commercial ski area closed in 2010. A day pass this season will cost $15.
$500,000 investment to help wildlife cross Route 100
The Route 100 scenic byway connects visitors and residents to some of Vermont’s most beautiful landscapes. It also bisects a forested landscape that animals such as bear, moose and bobcat need to thrive. Concern for the future of these animals led a partnership of community members, municipalities, conservation groups, and state agencies to protect the last remaining forested corridor connecting the Green Mountains and Worcester Range.
VCF fundholders commit $120,000 to protect Okemo wildlife corridor
The Mount Holly Conservation Trust has received a total of $120,000 from two Vermont Community Foundation fundholders to permanently protect 346 acres in Mount Holly that connect the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest with the Okemo State Forest and Coolidge State Forest. An anonymous Vermont Community Foundation fundholder awarded a generous $100,000 challenge grant that—combined with a $20,000 gift from the Lyman Orton Fund—brings the Mount Holly Conservation Trust closer to its overall fundraising goal of $400,000.
Agency receives $300K to assist VT small businesses export
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development is being awarded a grant to assist Vermont small businesses export goods and services. The Small Business Administration has announced that it is providing Vermont a $300,000 grant through the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program, a federal-state partnership initiative to increase the number of small businesses exporting. The state of Vermont is providing $100,000 for a total of $400,000 in state exporting funds.
Jaime Laredo announces VSO retirement
After two decades as Music Director, Jaime Laredo has decided that he will retire after the 2020/2021 season. His final concert with the VSO will be in May 2021. Laredo has built a high level of musical excellence within the orchestra, brought esteemed guest artists to perform with the VSO, and impacted Vermont's classical music community in ways that will last for years to come.
Castleton awarded $130,000 grant from State of Vermont
Governor Phil Scott recently joined local, state, and federal partners to announce more than $2.7 million in community development grants to 10 communities throughout Vermont, including the Town of Castleton in partnership with Castleton University. Castleton University was awarded a $130,000 subgrant through the Town of Castleton to assist with the development of the Early Childhood Lab, a public childcare center that will be located on the Castleton University campus.
Mount Snow now part of Vail group of ski resorts
Shareholders of Peak Resorts, Inc (Nasdaq:SKIS), which runs Mount Snow in West Dover, have approved Peak's acquisition by Vail Resorts, Inc (NYSE: MTN). Under the terms of the merger agreement, Peak Resorts’ common shareholders will be entitled to receive $11.00 per share in cash at the closing of the acquisition, or about $264 million. The deal was first announced in July.
Scott makes two superior court appointments
Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointments of Kerry Ann McDonald-Cady of Dover and Lisa Warren of Waterford to the Superior Court, which is the state’s trial court consisting of civil, criminal, environmental, family and probate divisions.
New water source at Pico approved
Vermont’s Pico Mountain has announced a Land Use Permit has been approved as part of major upgrades to its snowmaking system. Starting in the 2019-20 season guests will experience a better, more consistent and more reliable snow surface.
GMP divests pension funds from fossil fuels
Green Mountain Power has announced it is divesting its pension fund from fossil fuel companies. With the reinvestment of about $13.5 million finalized this week, the company’s $180 million pension fund is 99.2% divested, and positive impacts are expected on financial returns. The final .8% of investments will be divested by the end of 2020. Company President and CEO Mary Powell made the announcement alongside environmentalist Bill McKibben during a Climate Week divestment event in New York City Thursday evening.
WCAX-TV to move to new frequency in October
WCAX has announced that it is moving frequencies in one month, on October 24, 2019. That means viewers who watch TV for free with an over-the-air antenna (rabbit ears) will need to rescan their TVs to continue watching the station. Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held an auction of broadcast airwaves to provide more channels for wireless internet broadband services. WCAX did not participate in the auction, however, the FCC is requiring this station and nearly 1,000 others nationwide to move to new frequencies to make room for wireless internet services.
UVM joins climate change consortium, gets $4.5 million from Interior Dept
The US Department of the Interior has renewed its support for the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) with a five-year, $4.5 million commitment for its six-member consortium of universities, which newly includes the University of Vermont this year. The Northeast region ranges from Maine to Wisconsin and Maryland to Missouri, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst serves as the host campus for the center.
GOP elects Kolby LaMarche, 17, chair in Burlington
The Burlington Republican Committee elected Kolby LaMarche to the position Committee Chair on Tuesday, September 17th. Kolby, 17, is a senior at Burlington High School, and has been involved in Republican causes in Vermont for a number of years. At only 17, LaMarche may be the youngest Town Chair in the state from either major party. Vermont law allows 17 year olds to register to vote if the will be 18 by the time of the next general election. Under that provision LaMerch was eligible not only to participate in the Burlington meeting, but also become its new leader.
Law raising tobacco sales age to 21 goes into effect
A new law went into effect September 1, 2019, throughout the State of Vermont, raising the age of sale of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.