Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) recently announced awards of approximately $7.19 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 with improved transportation connectivity and safety, tangible economic benefits, and additional transportation options for commuters, visitors to the state, and recreational users.
Vermont continues to prioritize making communities and streets more usable for all modes of transportation. In downtowns and village centers especially, municipalities are responding to the need for better walking and bicycling facilities.
“Walking and bicycling are great ways to reduce congestion and provide an opportunity for physical activity for Vermonters and visitors,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “There are also positive effects on property values, tourism, and business growth, as well as reductions in traffic congestion, improvements in public health, and lower personal transportation costs.”
The Agency annually awards millions of federal dollars through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, with a goal of providing safe and convenient facilities for people who want and need alternative transportation opportunities. The 2024 grant cycle also includes funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which funds projects designed to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions.
This year’s awards include continuation of the initiative to fund small-scale improvements using 100% state funds. These smaller projects address critical safety needs, such as pedestrian crossings and filling critical sidewalk gaps. The Agency plans to assist municipalities with construction of these small projects quickly with minimal delays. Small-scale projects were awarded to eight Vermont communities.
AOT received applications for proposed projects totaling more than $10.1 million. This year’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program will fund various construction projects including a critical pedestrian connection to link the Irasburg Village School to the village center and library, the first sidewalks to be installed in Huntington Lower Village, and crosswalks in Bakersfield, Bethel, and Hinesburg. The multiuse Ninja Path in Bennington and the completion of sidewalk networks in dense walkable areas of Middlebury and Williston will receive Carbon Reduction Funds and provide an opportunity for more walking and bike trips instead of driving.
To learn more about the program and this year’s grant recipients, visit the Municipal Assistance Section on the AOT website.
Source: 9.12.2024. Vermont Agency of Transportation vtrans.vermont.gov
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