Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission gets $235,000 federal grant

The Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) was recently awarded a $235,000 economic development grant from the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the region’s businesses in minimizing economic dislocations resulting in natural or man-made disasters.
In 2008, towns within the TRORC area were impacted by severe flooding and Congress appropriated funding to EDA to assist businesses in disaster recovery efforts by conducting proper planning in advance of disasters. TRORC sought this nationally competitive funding to meet with the region’s businesses and conduct “business continuity of operations planning”. This effort will identify the vulnerability of a business to disruptions in raw materials and supplies, finished product transportation, employee movement and other factors.
“Whether the disruption is caused by a flash flood or the sudden failure of infrastructure like the Crown Point Bridge in western Vermont, our region’s businesses must be prepared with contingency plans to mitigate the effects of these sudden events” says Peter Gregory, Executive Director of TRORC. “The impact on our economy can be severe so we were pleased to apply for this important funding and look forward to investing in our collective readiness.”
"Natural disasters and catastrophic events like transportation infrastructure failures can devastate even the most financially viable business," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, who worked with representatives of the EDA and the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission to secure the funding. "The federal government made these funds available after disasters across the country cost both the private and public sectors millions of dollars in lost time and lost business. This grant will help Vermont businesses weather even the worst disaster."
TRORC will be working with the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission, the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation and the Springfield Regional Development Corporation on this effort. Work will commence shortly and area businesses are encouraged to contact TRORC if they wish to participate in this planning.
TRORC serves 30 towns primarily in Windsor and Orange counties providing local technical assistance and conducting regional land use, economic development, natural resource, transportation and emergency managementplanning for all levels of government.
Source: Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission. 1.7.2010.