Vermont State Colleges Trustees approve consolidation, campuses to stay open
The Vermont State College System Board of Trustees have voted to move forward with the proposal outlined by the state’s Select Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont. The proposal will unify the three residential colleges, Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College, under a common accreditation in Academic Year 2023-2024 while maintaining the Community College of Vermont as a separate institution. Additionally, the system will streamline services across the institutions through significant administrative consolidation. The board said it is committed to maintaining the current campus locations. A single president of the consolidated colleges would take over by January 2022.
Quarantine restrictions loosened
Governor Phil Scott has loosened travel restrictions and restrictions on long-term care communities for people who have been fully vaccinated. Residents of long-term care communities who are fully vaccinated will be able to participate in expanded social activities like communal dining. People who are fully vaccinated will be able to travel to Vermont without having to quarantine so long as they are more than two weeks removed from receiving their second shot. The governor also may loosen restrictions on multi-household gatherings in the near future as vaccine progress broadens.
CityPlace developer commits to pay Vermont Prevailing Wage for construction workers
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and the Developer of CityPlace Burlington have negotiated an amendment to the proposed Amended and Restated (A&R) Development Agreement, which secures further benefits for the workers who will construct the $165 million project. In response to this amendment, the Vermont Building and Construction Trades Council has announced its support for the proposed settlement agreement and the project. The City Council had voted to table its approval of these agreements. Mayor Weinberger called a Special Meeting of the City Council for February 23, at which the Council unanimously passed the measure. The developer had agreed to pay the State Prevailing Wage, to which the union organization agreed. CityPlace then received approval from the DRB, but opponents of the plan are challenging the project before the Environmental Board, ostensibly on the grounds that there is not enough parking for both residents and the public in the new plans.
Moody’s affirms Burlington International Airport’s 'Baa2' credit rating
Moody’s Investors Service has released a rating action that affirms Burlington International Airport’s “Baa2” credit rating with a stable outlook. The rating action is particularly notable as airports around the country are grappling with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. In its credit report, Moody’s states that the Burlington International Airport (BTV) is “well-positioned to address challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic,” and notes that BTV’s core financial metrics are sound, including its stable liquidity and debt service coverage, strengthened cost recovery framework, minimum of 200 days of cash on hand, relatively low debt burden, and manageable planned capital investment program.
BTV gets $14.5M federal grant to expand terminal, upgrade security
Burlington International Airport (BTV) has received a $14.5 million federal grant to expand the Airport’s terminal building and consolidate the two existing security checkpoints into one, which will significantly improve the Airport’s efficiency and traveler experience. The grant comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Supplemental Airport Improvement Program, and will cover 90 percent of the cost for engineering, design, and construction. The remaining 10 percent local match will be funded through the Airport’s passenger facility charges. Construction is anticipated to begin by July 2021 and continue for 12-18 months.
Tax revenues still ahead of projections after revision, but less so
Vermont’s tax revenue results for January 2021 show that General Fund revenues came in above target, while the Transportation and Education Fund revenues came in below target. Compared to the January upwardly revised estimate, the state’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $12.1 million, or 4.8% above the consensus expectations.
The personal income tax (+$10.73 million, 9.5%), which is the most important revenue source, and the corporate income tax (+$4.13, 90.8%) both continue to carry the General Fund.
Meanwhile, the sales tax fell below expectations after the revision. The sales tax has been performing well during the pandemic, which also led to an increase in expectations.
General Fund revenues collected for the month totaled $183.6 million, $15.1 million or 9.0%, above monthly consensus revenue expectations.
Receipts in the Transportation Fund were $1.6 million, or 8.1%, below consensus expectations for the month, bringing in $18.4 million.
The Education Fund revenues were $1.4 million, or 2.2%, below the monthly consensus target, having collected $61.3 million for the month. The largest portion of the below-target revenue performance was driven by receipts activity in the Sales and Use Tax and the Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Tax components, which together were $1.3 million below monthly consensus expectations.
70+ phase in vaccination efforts yields overwhelming response
Vermonters age 70 to 74 were able to sign up and make appointments to receive their COVID-19 vaccine starting February 16. In just the first 15 minutes the Health Department received more than 7,000 calls from people making appointments to be vaccinated – flooding the Department of Health’s call center and racking up the clicks at the department’s website. By 4:45 in the afternoon, around 18,800 people had signed up – nearly 57% of the 33,200 people eligible. As of VBM deadline in late February, over 86,000 Vermonters have received at least one dose of vaccine. The federal government has upped the state’s allotment by 2,500 doses a week. They also hope to have approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the end of February, begin the 65+ phase in early March and begin vaccinating the chronic conditions phase by the end of March.
VGS requests 2.6% rate hike
VGS has filed its 2021 rate request for November 2021 that it says reinforces its commitment to customer safety and affordability, energy efficiency, and investments in clean energy solutions. The proposal, which requires approval from the Public Utility Commission (PUC), calls for an overall rate increase of 2.6 percent. This adjustment would mean an average residential customer would pay an additional $2.40 per month. This change comes after generally declining overall rates over the last 10 years.
FY2021 Budget Adjustment passes House
The legislature has given final approval to H138, the Budget Adjustment Act, which is the legislature’s mid-year adjustment of appropriations for the current fiscal year. The House offered several amendments to the Senate’s version of the bill. The House version included an amendment providing an appropriation for body cameras for the Department of Liquor and Lottery, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Fish and Wildlife; an appropriation for use-of-force training; and an amendment to extend the deadline for the Vermont Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Equity Program.
The House also offered an amendment to allow the Department of Labor (DOL) limited access to Vermont Tax Department records in order to determine the amount of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applicants are eligible to receive, and to verify information necessary to issue tax documents to individuals who received benefits through unemployment insurance and related federal and state benefit programs.
Scott applauds United States rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement
Governor Phil Scott has joined a bipartisan group of governors in the US Climate Alliance to applaud the decision to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, while highlighting the work Vermont is doing to combat climate change. In May 2017, Governor Phil Scott and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker wrote a letter to the US secretary of energy urging the Administration to keep the country in the Agreement. After the US announced its intention to withdraw, Governor Scott joined a bipartisan coalition of governors in the US Climate Alliance, a group committed to combating climate change.
‘Expedited budget’ would put $10M to help business recovery
The House Appropriations Committee is considering a bill titled “An act relating to COVID-19 Relief,” which is also known as the “expedited budget.” The bill contains items that are time sensitive or address immediate public health needs. These items are being expedited into this fast moving bill rather than waiting for the few months it will take to pass the FY2022 budget bill. The bill includes a proposal from the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee for $10 million for “gap” economic recovery grants for certain businesses struggling to survive because of COVID. It also includes funding for housing and transportation projects to enable them to start in time for the upcoming construction season. The committee is discussing a broad range of other items to fund. From mental health to ventilation in schools to money for struggling families.
Bee’s Wrap sold to private investor
Bee’s Wrap LLC in Middlebury has been sold to an undisclosed private investor. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed. Bee’s Wrap is a leading producer of sustainable food wraps that serve as a natural alternative to plastic wrap. The company distributes its products through 3,000+ retail locations across the US and ecommerce channels and reaches over 40 countries across the world. Founder Sarah Kaeck will remain as CEO.
VLS awarded $3M to expand National Center on Restorative Justice
Vermont Law School will receive a $3 million grant from the US Department of Justice to continue operations at the National Center on Restorative Justice. Leahy, who will serve as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 117th Congress, has led a several-year effort to establish and fund the Center.
VHCB water quality grants available for Vermont farms
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, has grant funds available for on-farm capital improvement projects that have a positive impact on water quality. Eligible farmers can apply for a Water Quality Grant, which provides $5,000 to $40,000 in funding. Applications are due by March 26, 2021.
Governor extends state of emergency to March 15, full year
Governor Scott has extended Vermont’s State of Emergency another month. It was first invoked March 13, 2020, as the pandemic weighed down on the state. Scott extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency to March 15, 2021 as the State continues its distribution of vaccines to Vermonters most at risk of death. All previous addendums to the State of Emergency remain in place to continue to mitigate the spread of the virus and ensure economic protections remain in place. Scott said he will extend the emergency as long as is necessary.
1099-G corrected letters go out
The Vermont Labor Department is rectifying errors in processing 1099-Gs for 2020 claimants. The corrected 1099-Gs were re-issued by the end of February. Labor sends out 6,000-8,000 1099s in a typical year, but between the spike in UI claims because of pandemic-related layoffs and the new federal relief programs, the total number of 1099s required is about 180,000 forms to 101,511 people. However, the initial batch of 1099s had a printing mistake which resulted in some number being sent to the wrong addresses, including some personal information like Social Security numbers. Labor issued return envelopes and then began sending out the corrected forms. Labor is also assisting those claimants whose information may have been compromised.
Leahy and Welch urge USDA to fix Farmers to Families Food Box Program
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) have sent a letter to Secretary-designate Vilsack to make him aware that the lowest-bid contract winner of the latest round of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program has not been adequately serving Vermont. The letter also asks USDA to award a new contract for March and April to a different vendor who can meet the needs of Vermont households experiencing food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic.
Economic survey confirms negative impact of pandemic
Over 150 Vermont businesses from diverse industries and several counties completed the latest annual economic survey in January regarding the outlook of Vermont’s small- to medium-sized businesses. When asked how the pandemic has directly impacted their business an overwhelming 85% have experienced a decrease in revenue (31% have decreased by more than 50%, 35% decreased between 20-50%). Only 13% of business owners surveyed have not had their revenue negatively impacted by COVID-19. All respondents agree that the pandemic has permanently changed how they do business. While everyone anticipates significant challenges for their business in 2021 no one is definitively planning to downsize in any way because of it. The non-scientific survey is presented by Davis & Hodgdon CPAs.
New electric vehicle charging stations to be installed
Governor Phil Scott has announced that 11 new plug-in electric vehicle (EV) fast-charge stations are scheduled to be installed across Vermont over the next two years. The charge stations will be located in Newport, Enosburgh, St Johnsbury, Johnson, South Hero, Springfield, Fair Haven, Wilmington, Ludlow, Randolph and Rutland. The chargers will be a part of the Blink Network and available to all EV drivers. When these new stations are completed, nearly every Vermonter will be within 30 miles of a fast-charge station. They will cost $1.7 million and will be paid for from the Volkswagen settlement. Vermont has the greatest number of EV stations in the nation per capita, with 114 public EV chargers per 100,000 people, and the number of registered EVs in Vermont has risen by 321 percent since 2015.
Lisa Ventriss to retire from Vermont Business Roundtable
The Vermont Business Roundtable has announced that Lisa Ventriss, President since 2002, will retire at the end of the year. “It has been one of my greatest professional privileges to serve as President of the Roundtable and work together with such a distinguished and respected group of business and non-profit leaders from across the state and region,” Ventriss said. “After almost two decades as president, and at the beginning of a new decade, it is now time for the Roundtable to bring in the next generation of leader.”
New plan to strengthen Vermont’s agriculture and food system released
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund through its Farm to Plate Initiative, and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) have released the Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan 2021-2030. With over 1,500 Vermonters providing input and helping to shape its content over an 18-month period, the Plan lays out a vision, 15 goals, 34 priority strategies, and 276 recommendations for advancing the agriculture and food system in Vermont. Focus groups with over 120 Vermont industry members such as beef, dairy, sheep and goat, maple, vegetable and berry producers, Vermont Cheese Council board members, farmers market managers, specialty food association members, and Farm to School leaders were also convened to give input that helped shape the Plan.
Scott creates Future of Vermont Agriculture Commission
Governor Phil Scott has issued an executive order creating the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Vermont Agriculture to study and strategize how best to grow agriculture in the Green Mountain State. The Commission’s charge will focus on ensuring the viability and adaptability of this sector, including recommendations for more cross-sector collaboration, increasing production and promotion, reducing barriers to entry and increasing diversity within the sector, and continued progress on environmental issues.
Vermont gets nearly $13 million from HUD for range of housing programs
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced almost $13 million in funding to local Vermont programs that provide affordable housing, community development and economic opportunity, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This funding is part of more than $5.5 billion in funding being awarded nationally. As part of the housing support, Vermont will be getting over $8 million in CDBG funds and over $3 million for the HOME investment program.
NVU awarded nearly $1 million grant for forestry accelerator
Northern Vermont University (NVU) Center for Professional Studies was awarded a three-year Northern Border Regional Commission-Regional Forest Economy Partnership (RFEP) grant of nearly $1 million to establish the Do North Wood Product and Forestry Accelerator initiative in Lyndonville, Vermont.
Scott announces winners of $770,000 in downtown and village center tax credits
Governor Phil Scott has announced the allocation of just over $770,000 in state tax credits for nine projects, which will support over $47.5 million in downtown and village center rehabilitation projects. Additional funding proposed by the Administration and allocated by the General Assembly during the 2020 legislative session provided a boost to the program, allowing this additional round of awards focused on recovery coming out of the COVID-19 crisis.
State Historic Preservation grants totaling $204,896 awarded to 13 projects
Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation have announced the recipients of the 2021 State Historic Preservation Grants. The grants, totaling $204,896, were awarded to 13 municipalities and non-profit organizations statewide in eight counties, facilitating the repair and rehabilitation of important historic buildings.
$60.7M fund provides equity financing for affordable housing in VT, ME, NH
Evernorth closed its second multi-investor fund - Housing New England, Fund II – on January 29, 2021. This fund will provide equity to finance affordable housing in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Nineteen investors committed a total of $60.7 million in equity making Housing New England, Fund II (HNE Fund II) a significant financial resource for the region’s critical affordable housing needs. HNE Fund II’s investors include community, regional and national banks as well as a one of the nation’s largest mortgage banking organizations.
Norwich receives $19.5M grant to lead DoD Cyber Institute program
Norwich University has been designated the lead institution of the nation’s Senior Military Colleges in creating a Department of Defense Cyber Institute program through a recently awarded two-year, $19.5 million grant. The six schools, Norwich University, Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Virginia Tech, University of North Georgia, and Texas A&M, will create a pipeline of qualified cyber professionals in various critical work roles.
Casella Waste reports increase in revenues and net income for FY20
Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has reported its financial results for the three- and 12-month periods ended December 31, 2020. The Company also provided guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Revenues were $774.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, up $31.3 million, or up 4.2%, from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. Net income was $91.1 million for fiscal year 2020, up $59.5 million from fiscal year 2019.
Vermont businesses to see decrease in workers’ comp rates for 5th year in a row
Governor Phil Scott has announced that Vermont businesses will see another rate decrease in workers’ compensation insurance in 2021. This is the fifth straight year workers’ compensation rates have decreased, and when combined with decreases from 2017-2020, Vermont employers will pay an average of 36% less in workers’ compensation premiums than they did in 2016. The new rates take effect on April 1, 2021.
State employee health care plan to participate in ACO
The State of Vermont finalized an agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont to support the state’s All Payer Model health care payment and delivery system reform effort by attributing the members of the State Employees Health Plans to OneCare Vermont, the Accountable Care Organization, for the 2021 plan year. The programs and payment structures are designed to encourage providers to focus on patient wellbeing instead of traditional fee-for-service compensation. An estimated 13,300 Health Plan members will be newly attributed to the ACO model.
US Attorney to resign, highlights accomplishments of office
The Honorable Christina E Nolan, US Attorney for Vermont, has announced she will tender her resignation, effective February 28, 2021. US Attorney Nolan assumed the position on November 27, 2017, following the bipartisan recommendation of Senator Patrick Leahy and Governor Phil Scott; the President’s nomination; and unanimous confirmation by the US Senate. Governor Scott said he was sad to say her leave the position.
Her accomplishments include: The USAO collected $105,483,842.21 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2020; USAO also partnered with law enforcement for Operation “Fury Road,” an 18-month enforcement action along Interstate 91, spanning October 2018 to February 2020, and netting 82 federal arrests for federal firearms and drug trafficking crimes, the seizure of 128 unlawfully possessed firearms, 7,511 rounds of ammunition, and kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
In January 2020, another EHR, Practice Fusion, reached an agreement with the USAO to pay $145 million to resolve its criminal and civil liability for accepting kickbacks from Purdue Pharma L.P. and other pharmaceutical companies, in exchange for embedding alerts in its software to cause doctors to write medically unnecessary prescriptions for those pharmaceutical companies’ products.
In October 2020, Purdue pled guilty to a federal felony, admitting it paid Practice Fusion a kickback in exchange for its installation of a prompt in its software intended to cause doctors to prescribe medically unnecessary prescriptions for Purdue’s oxycontin and other extended release opioid pills.
The US attorney position typically turns over when there is a new president.
USDA invests $1.2 million in Parent Child Center of Rutland County
The Parent Child Center of Rutland County is receiving $367,000 in disaster grant funding and a $833,000 direct loan from USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. Grant and loan funding will be used to renovate and modernize PCC’s Chaplin Campus into a community facility that includes a food pantry, affordable daycare programs and services for families disrupted by economic stress and substance abuse.
Two new plans outline strategy to restore and protect waterways
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in collaboration with local nonprofits, town officials, scientists and regional planners, has finalized two tactical basin plans that outline the strategy to restore and protect rivers, lakes and wetlands across much of the state, from Ferrisburgh to Peacham. The Tactical Basin Plans for Northern Lake Champlain Direct Drainages and the Stevens, Wells, Waits, Ompompanoosuc and Connecticut River Direct Tributaries provide details on how DEC will work alongside nonprofits, farmers, towns, landowners, and Natural Resource Conservation Districts to continue to improve water quality, restore aquatic habitats, and prevent future pollution.
Ted Brady selected as VLCT executive director
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Edward M (Ted) Brady as the League’s new executive director. Brady, who currently serves as Deputy Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, will assume his new responsibilities in early April.
UVM Board approves tuition freeze for third consecutive year
The University of Vermont’s Board of Trustees have voted unanimously to approve President Suresh Garimella’s proposal to freeze tuition for the coming academic year. It will be the third consecutive year tuition levels have remained the same. The board also approved Garimella’s recommendations to reduce the student comprehensive fee by 2.2% and to freeze next year’s room and board charges to their current rates. Over the past eight years, the average increase in room and board has been 3.2% annually.
Connor Cyrus, Mikaela Lefrak to join VPR as co-hosts of Vermont Edition
Vermont Public Radio has hired journalists Connor Cyrus and Mikaela Lefrak as the new co-hosts and senior producers of Vermont Edition, the station announced today. Cyrus and Lefrak will take over for Jane Lindholm, who is stepping down from the program after 14 years to focus full time on VPR’s children’s program But Why and special news projects. Her final show is March 25, although listeners will continue to hear her voice on the air as a contributor to VPR special news coverage.
Tayt Brooks named deputy secretary at ACCD
Governor Phil Scott has appointed Tayt Brooks, currently the Governor’s director of affordability and economic initiatives, as deputy secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). He takes over from Ted Brady, who will be the new executive director at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
Two local orgs get nearly $2 million from USDA for distance learning and telemedicine
The USDA has announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities. Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) grants awarded to institutions in northern Vermont and southern New Hampshire are included in the national initiative: $994,326 to North Country Hospital Health Center (Newport, VT) and $995,158 to Fall Mountain Regional School District (NH).
Vermont Lake Monsters to be sold and join the Futures League
The Vermont Lake Monsters have announced that the team will have new ownership and a new partner league when it takes the field this summer. The Vermont Expos, Inc, have agreed in principle to sell the Lake Monsters to the investment group, Nos Amours Baseball Club. The group is led by Chris English a long time affiliated, independent and college summer league owner & operator. The intent is to continue to play at 38-game home schedule from May to August in Burlington. The team would be comprised of college players, but using wooden bats like the professional teams.
New grant program to help revitalize small cities and towns
Community Heart & Soul have announced its new Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program, a funding opportunity for small cities and towns nationwide. The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides startup funding of $10,000 for resident-driven groups in communities with populations of 2,500 to 30,000 to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. The Community Heart & Soul model engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.
TD Bank to close 81 branches, two in Vermont
TD Bank will be closing 6 percent of US branches in the United States in April. This includes two in Vermont, in Richmond and Waitsfield. “In reaching a decision to close specific TD Bank stores, we consider many business factors, including the number of customers visiting our stores, transaction volumes, the location’s proximity to other TD Bank stores and the number of customers who use multiple store locations. We have already begun notifying impacted customers. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for them.”
UVM to require two COVID tests a week thru mid-March
Beginning March 1, all students who are required to test will now be required to complete a COVID-19 test two times per week with three days between each test. The testing center is expanding operations (offering additional testing slots and Saturday hours) to accommodate you. More frequent testing will enable us to identify positive cases and close contacts earlier—and that will help everyone.
State gets over $26 million in federal relief funds for public transportation
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has received more than $26 million in federal funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to support public transit across the state.
Bennington College Prison Education Initiative awarded $40,000 Cabrini Foundation
Bennington College’s Prison Education Initiative (PEI) has been awarded a grant of $40,000 from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. Now in its sixth year, PEI brings Bennington College faculty to Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a maximum-security men’s prison in Comstock, NY, to provide a quality liberal arts education to incarcerated students. This grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation will allow PEI to serve more students while expanding its course offerings and increasing student services and academic support.
GMP microgrid in Panton will keep the lights on during outages
Green Mountain Power (GMP) will break ground this spring on a cutting-edge utility microgrid in Panton, Vermont, pioneering a new way to keep the power on for residents, farms and municipal buildings in the town center during power outages. A microgrid is essentially a smaller grid that can operate independently, disconnecting from the larger grid during outages. Panton is the perfect place for this innovative work because it leverages GMP’s existing 4.9-megawatt solar facility with utility-scale batteries already up and running in the town. This project is unique because GMP is believed to be the first utility in the country to island a distribution circuit using inverter-based sources with no reliance on fossil fuel generation backup.
Awardees announced for first-ever SoVTYP Professional Development Grant Program
This first-ever grant program offers up to $500 to SoVTYP members through a competitive grant application process run by a volunteer selection committee. Some examples of eligible grant uses include acquiring a professional certification, continuing education or skills training through a local or online college, or attending professional conferences. These funds must be used for the advancement of the individual’s current profession or to pivot toward new career goals.
Leahy hails full restoration of federal funding for National Guard’s COVID mission
Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-Ill), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) have praised President Biden’s restoration of full federal funding for National Guard missions responding to COVID-19. The executive order of January 21 re-implements 100 percent federal cost share for these missions, a step the senators had proposed in legislation introduced last August as coronavirus cases again began to surge.
AG Donovan settles opioids case with McKinsey
Attorney General TJ Donovan has announced that the State of Vermont will receive $1.536 million as part of a multi-state settlement with McKinsey & Company, one of the world’s largest consulting firms, for the company’s role in the opioid epidemic. The settlement resolves investigations into the company’s work for opioid companies, helping those companies to promote their drugs and profit from the opioid epidemic
Burlington enters Phase 3 in creating district energy system
Creating a DES in Burlington would meet the long-held goal of recovering waste heat and additional steam from BED’s McNeil Generating Station, and then using those sources to provide thermal energy to UVMMC via steam pipe. The DES also would be a significant step toward Burlington’s goal to become a Net Zero Energy city, and would bring meaningful climate action to Burlington, including significant energy savings and an impactful reduction in Burlington’s commercial sector natural gas related greenhouse gas emissions.
GMP, VEDA partner to expand EV chargers to businesses statewide
Green Mountain Power (GMP) is making it simple and affordable for business customers to install electric vehicle chargers for the public and their employees with a new Workplace Charging pilot program. The turnkey package includes the Level 2 charger, software, installation, project management, maintenance and financing. The cost could be as low as $35 per month for a single charger.
Vermont ranks seventh in nation for electric vehicle policy
With transportation now the largest source of US greenhouse gas emissions, several states, including Vermont, are taking comprehensive steps to help enable residents and businesses to use and charge electric vehicles, yet many others have done little to reduce barriers, according to a first-of-its-kind report released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The report finds that Vermont has taken a number of important steps to encourage and enable residents to use electric vehicles, but should rapidly step up its efforts – which could in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, decrease air pollution, and cut fueling and maintenance costs for individuals and businesses. Vermont scored 49 out of 100 possible points in the ACEEE evaluation, ranking 7th out of all 50 states + DC.
Vermont has highest percent of ‘equity rich’ homes in the nation
If you thought home prices and values were skyrocketing in Vermont, you were right. ATTOM Data Solutions has released its fourth-quarter 2020 US Home Equity & Underwater Report, which shows that 17.8 million residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loans secured by those properties was 50 percent or less of their estimated market value. Vermont had the highest percentage of any state in the nation. Vermont (47.8 percent equity-rich) was followed by California (46.1 percent), Idaho (42.7 percent), Washington (41 percent) and Hawaii (40.4 percent).
Labor Dept seeking grant applications for 2021 Internship Program
The Vermont Department of Labor is now accepting applications for the 2021 Vermont Internship Program. Funded by VDOL, the program will award $350,000 to eligible organizations. The program promotes internships by providing grants to organizations that support or match Vermont employers with student-interns from public and private secondary schools, regional technical centers or postsecondary educational institutions.
Rutland County Solid Waste District fined for multiple violations
The Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has fined the Rutland County Solid Waste District $37,000 for multiple violations of Vermont’s hazardous waste and solid waste management rules. Hazardous wastes are substances that contain chemicals that are corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic, and have harmful effects on public health or on the environment. Many sectors create hazardous wastes in Vermont, including small and large businesses, municipalities, and even households.
State reports 1,200th licensed captive insurance company
Governor Phil Scott has that the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) has licensed Vermont’s 1,200th captive insurance company. Sustainable Assurance Company was granted a license as a pure Captive Insurance Company on January 1, 2021. It was formed by the Lancaster County (PA) Solid Waste Management Authority.
SBA accepting applications for 2021 Vermont Emerging Leaders
The Small Business Administration is accepting applications for the 2021 Vermont Emerging Leaders Program which will be held virtually and is slated to begin in the April. Emerging Leaders is an intensive executive-level series intended to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses in America’s underserved cities and rural areas. During the course, small business owners will learn to create a three-year strategic growth plan to build a sustainable business of size and scale.
USDA extends eviction and foreclosure moratorium
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program (SFHDLP) has extended the foreclosure and eviction moratorium for SFHDLP borrowers through June 30, 2021. The moratorium applies to: Initiation of foreclosures or completion of foreclosures in process, excluding vacant and abandoned properties; Evictions of borrowers from properties financed with a USDA direct home loan.
DFR orders Northwestern Mutual to pay $287,000 penalty for improper payments
The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) has entered into a Stipulation and Consent Order with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual) for improperly calculating interest amounts that resulted in underpayments to life insurance policy beneficiaries.
Nominations sought for Southern Vermont Emerging Leaders
This year presented enormous challenges, but it also offered unique opportunities for ordinary people to support their communities in crucial ways. 2021 Emerging Leaders recognition will highlight those young professionals who went above and beyond during this unprecedented time for our generation. Honorees will be chosen by the Southern Vermont Young Professionals Steering Committee and the Shires Young Professionals Steering Committee, who together co-sponsor the Emerging Leaders recognition.
Bromley Resort furthers sustainability with plans for new solar array
Encore Renewable Energy, Bromley Mountain Ski Resort and Tangent Energy Solutions announced their plans to develop and build a 615kWdc solar project on land owned by Bromley Mountain in Peru, Vermont. The resort has implemented several sustainability initiatives over the last two decades, including energy efficiency upgrades to their buildings and snowmaking activities. The new project jointly developed by Encore and Tangent Energy Solutions will generate clean, locally generated solar power and help Bromley reach their sustainability goals.
Sugarbush installs another array with Green Lantern Solar
Green Lantern Solar has completed construction of a 133kW solar array on Sugarbush Resort property adding to their existing solar portfolio. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new array was held February 8. This new array, located along the north edge of Lot F at Lincoln Peak, is the 6th Green Lantern array and the first one located on Sugarbush property.
GMP increases savings on heat pumps for low- and moderate-income customers
Green Mountain Power (GMP) has launched extra rebates on heat pumps for low- and moderate-income customers to make it easier for more Vermonters to cut carbon and increase comfort. GMP is adding to the success of its $400 rebate for each heat pump condenser a customer installs with new, extra rebates for low- and moderate-income customers, for total savings up to $1,000 per condenser.
Bernie Sander’s mitten merchandise fundraiser raises $100,000 for CVOEO
Friends of Bernie Sanders, a campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders, is donating $100,000 from mitten merchandise sales to the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). Since the onset of the pandemic, CVOEO has seen a significant increase in the need for housing and fuel assistance. The agency has also opened a shelter for those experiencing homelessness at the Holiday Inn and a daytime warming center at the VFW in Burlington, and created a hotline for New Americans seeking assistance and resources that connects them to speakers of their own language, and more.
Governor allows resumption of school sports
Governor Phil Scott has announced a path forward for the resumption of organized indoor youth and scholastic sports. Inter-school and squad competition can resume on February 12th with strict guidance in place, including only two games can be played in a week, and no spectators will be permitted. Adult rec sports are still on hold.
Newport prison in full lockdown following 22 positive cases
Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) is reporting a Covid-19 outbreak at Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport after one staff member and 21 incarcerated individuals tested positive for the virus. The 22 total cases were detected in testing conducted February 23, 2021.
Rebates on electric motorcycles and residential yard care equipment begin March 1
Green Mountain Power (GMP) is making it easy for you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint and get excited this spring with a whole lot more rebate options that will get you outside. GMP customers can get ready for the green grass and open roads by saving on electric motorcycles and residential yard care equipment like hedge trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and garden tractors.
Packetized Energy awarded $2M contract to help solve CA grid challenges
Packetized Energy, a developer of software systems and smart devices based in Burlington, will receive $2 million in prime contractor funding from the California Energy Commission under their BRIDGE (Bringing Rapid Innovation Development to Green Energy) program. The award will fund deployment and connection of 7,000 new and existing smart energy devices to Packetized Energy’s Nimble platform, enabling a combined 4 megawatts (MW) of grid flexibility. The project will create one of the largest distributed energy resource (DER) aggregation networks from residential devices in California.
Auction results confirm sufficient electric resources for New England during 2024–2025
Finalized results confirm that New England’s annual capacity auction concluded with sufficient secured resources to meet projected electricity needs three years in the future. ISO New England Inc filed the results Friday with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The filing also includes a list of electricity resources committed to ensuring reliable power for New England for the same period. The estimated value of the capacity market in 2024-2025 will be about $1.36 billion.
Veilleux Road covered bridge in Troy catches fire, collapses
Veilleux Road covered bridge by River Road in Troy is impassable due to a fire and the subsequent collapse of the bridge into the river below. This route is not accessible by any vehicle types at this time. A snowmobile broke down on the bridge and then caught fire, engulfing the bridge. Built in 1910, the lattice truss bridge crossed the Missisquoi River. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the last covered bridge in town.
CEDO Director Luke McGowan to join Biden Administration
Luke McGowan, Director of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO), will leave the City to join the administration of President Joe Biden. Luke has accepted a position as a senior advisor on the White House Intergovernmental Affairs Team, where he will lead the stimulus and economic recovery efforts with state and local governments. That work will focus on implementing stimulus efforts, identifying new infrastructure projects, and ensuring that the economic recovery supports climate resilience and racial justice.
M&T to acquire People's United Bank in $7.6 billion deal
Buffalo-based M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) and Connecticut-based People’s United Financial, Inc (NASDAQ: PBCT) has announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which M&T will acquire People’s United in an all-stock transaction valued at $7.6 billion. It will create the 11th largest banking institution in the nation. People's acquired Burlington-based Chittenden Bank, now People's United Bank, in a $1.9 billion deal announced in 2007.
WhistlePig releases two Sasquatch Select whiskeys
Shoreham-based WhistlePig is much more than a distillery. They are a working farm set amidst the wilderness of Vermont. At the heart of it all is an outsized treasure chest shaded by the weathered rafters of an old barn. This is their single barrel warehouse, and herein lies some of their boldest experiments. Some casks are born right in our own backyard, others were discovered half a world away. Some rise, others fall. It’s a lesson told only through time, and a legend worth sharing. Two Bespoke Barrels have emerged from that wilderness: Sasquatch Selects volume 1 and 2. Named after the world’s most elusive mythological beast, these one-time-only offerings are every bit as evasive.
Eco Car Wash acquired by Splash
Splash Car Wash, headquartered in Milford, CT, has announced the recent acquisitions of Eco Car Wash with two express locations in Plattsburgh, New York and Williston, Vermont, and Westport Wash & Wax, a full service location in Westport, CT. The Eco Car Wash sites were owned and operated by Aaron Vincelette.
Imerys Talc Vermont, subsidiaries complete sale to Magris Resources
North American Talc Subsidiaries of Imerys (Imerys Talc America, Imerys Talc Vermont, and Imerys Talc Canada) has announced the completion of the sale of substantially all of their assets to affiliates of Magris Resources Canada Inc. The US assets and related operations are now owned by Magris Talc USA, Inc. and the Canadian assets and related operations are now owned by Magris Talc Canada Inc.