Photo Credit: King Farm, Woodstock, VT. Source: Geena Baber, TRORC.
TRORC NEWS. January 2025
TRORC Shared Energy Coordinator Program Hosts Gingerbread-Building Event to Promote Energy Code Awareness
Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission TRORC’s Shared Energy Coordinator (SEC) program held a festive, holiday-themed event at the Bugbee Senior Center in Hartford on December 5th to promote awareness of the 2024 update to Vermont’s Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES). A few dozen attendees representing several towns engaged with presentations from local building science experts, then put their skills to the test by building models of RBES-compliant wall assemblies using gingerbread and candy. The campaign will continue throughout the winter and spring with outreach to town permitting officials. For more information, please contact Shared Energy Coordinator, Harry Falconer, at [email protected].
Images (left to right): RBES speaker converses with participant; TRORC Planner and VLGS student make gingerbread walls; participants inspecting each other's walls. Source: Harry Falconer, TRORC.
West Fairlee Adopts New Flood Regulations
On December 2nd, the Town of West Fairlee adopted its new Flood Hazard Area Bylaw. This is the culmination of a multi-year planning process beginning in the spring of 2023, spearheaded by a certified floodplain manager (CFM) at TRORC. The new regulations help to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program and incorporate higher standards that make new development safer from flooding. In the new bylaw, new or substantially improved structures must be elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation, which better protects structures in the floodplain from future flooding. The bylaw also does not allow for fill that would result in a loss of flood storage capacity. This helps to prevent the incremental loss of floodplain storage and to mitigate future flood impacts.
TRORC has funding through the Department of Environmental Conservation to assist towns in our region with reviewing and updating flood bylaws. Reach out to Kyle Katz, CFM, at [email protected] for more information.
TRORC Sponsored VCDA Winter Conference – Post-Pandemic Funding
Image: In front of Ralston's building (one of many downtown redevelopment projects in St. Albans), panelists and funders shared their best approaches to applying for and complying with funding. Source: Kyra Wood, TRORC.
TRORC proudly helped sponsor the Vermont Community Development Association (VCDA) conference in St. Albans, VT on January 15th, with two of our staff in attendance! The city of St. Albans welcomed attendees with an engaging presentation from Dominic Cloud, City Manager, showcasing several of their projects and their approaches to funding. In the afternoon, the City’s Director of Planning and Development, Chip Sawyer, led a walking tour, highlighting several of their projects and initiatives, such as the downtown building--Ralston’s--which the city supported the redevelopment of the storefront shop and upstairs apartment units through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and ARPA. Other tour highlights included a redeveloped brownfields site, a new hotel and parking garage, and affordable, market rate housing units using TIF.
Single Audit Threshold Increase for Fiscal Years Starting After October 1, 2024
From an April 2024 revision to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F), the Single Audit threshold increases from $750,000 to $1,000,000, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1st, 2024. What does this mean for your organization/entity? If your organization spends less than $1 million in federal funds in your fiscal year, you are not required to conduct a Single Audit. If $1 million or more in federal funds are spent in your fiscal year, you are required to undergo a Single Audit, ensuring federal compliance of funds.
TRORC’s Executive Director Appointed as Member of VT Treasurer’s Task Force to Advise on Trump Administration’s Policy Changes
On January 16th, Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced the formation of the “Treasurer’s Task Force on the Federal Transition” in Vermont. The Task Force–which includes Peter Gregory, Executive Director of TRORC–will assess the economic impact of potential policy changes from the incoming Trump administration and provide recommendations to the Treasurer. Members include policy experts, business and community leaders, and others with deep knowledge of Vermont’s economy.
The Task Force will focus on how federal changes could affect Vermont’s economy, housing, healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors. Its recommendations will guide Vermont’s fiscal strategy and help prepare the state for possible disruptions. The group will meet monthly for up to six months, with the first meeting held on January 15th, 2025. Public meeting notices will be posted on the Treasurer’s website.
For more information, read the full announcement here.
What is a Future Land Use Map?
Town and regional plans are required to have future land use maps. However, there is often confusion about what these maps mean, especially whether they are regulatory. Are they zoning maps? No. But they form the basis for later zoning maps if a town decides to adopt zoning.
What about regional land use maps? There are no regional regulations of any kind, but the regional and town maps, along with the policies of the regional and town plan, are used by the state as part of their regulatory review in Act 250, as well as in Section 248 (siting cell towers or solar fields). What if a development does not trigger such an Act 250 or Section 248 permit? Then, the plans have no regulatory effect. Really? Yes, really.
So why do we spend time crafting such maps when they rarely have teeth? Because planning is largely an advisory field; it is more of a general direction than a specific destination. And all decisions begin at the general level and work their way to being more detailed. Planning, at the regional and local level, just starts us all on the way to where we want the world to be, but a lot of additional steps have to take place to make that world a reality.
New(ish) TRORC Staff: Kyle Hansen, Planner
Please join us in welcoming Kyle Hansen, who joined TRORC in November! Kyle’s focus is on land use mapping, transportation planning, emergency management, and data updates. He holds a Bachelor's in Political Science from Norwich University and a Master’s in Climate and Environmental Policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School. He currently serves on Pomfret’s Zoning Board and coaches Woodstock’s 5th and 6th grade Mountain Bike team. More information about our new planner will be included in upcoming TRORC newsletters.
Fun fact: Kyle has visited all 251 of Vermont’s municipalities in a six-month span as a member of the Vermont 251 Club.
Image: Kyle Hansen, TRORC Planner
Reminders
Review Your Policies for Needed Updates!
It’s important to keep your policies and procedures up to date. These documents serve as guidance for your staff, officers, contractors, and others in your daily operations. A review/update should occur every 2-3 years to keep consistent with state and federal law.
Reviews and updates ensure your policies reflect current federal regulations (Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)). An example is procurement policies. Failure to do so can lead to audit findings or worse!
Looking for examples? TRORC has over 20 policies and procedures on our webpage. Questions? Please contact Peter Gregory at [email protected], or at extension 3002.
TRORC Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for the 2025 Program
Do you know a high school student attending a post-secondary education and is living in one of TRORC’s 30 member towns?
The Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) is now accepting applications for its Scholarship Program for 2025. Ten awards of $2,000 will be given to qualified applicants. Applications will be accepted until 5pm on Friday, April 11th, 2025.
We believe academic performance should be one of many factors in awarding scholarships. TRORC will also consider a student's record in community service-oriented activities and volunteer work; engagement with civic institutions; activities that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership skills; innovative thinking and problem-solving; examples of obstacles overcome; as well as entrepreneurship and resourcefulness.
Please visit TRORC’s Scholarship Program webpage for more information.
Don’t Buy Materials Before Grant is Signed
If you are anticipating funding from a grant, you should not begin any work (purchasing supplies, labor, or releasing bids) until a grant agreement has been signed. In certain cases, a grantor may provide an Advanced Notice to Proceed (ANP), allowing work before a fully executed grant agreement. If you need assistance in interpreting your grant agreement or understanding a grant program, please contact our Grants Manager, Kyra Wood, at [email protected]
LHMP Updates
Rochester
The Town of Rochester is wrapping up the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) update process. Local Hazard Mitigation Plans are part of an effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce damage from foreseeable natural hazards. LHMPs enable towns to qualify for grant funds, and they make our communities safer. The public, Rochester residents in particular, are invited to review the draft plan and make comments.
West Fairlee
The Town of West Fairlee is wrapping up the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) update process. Local Hazard Mitigation Plans are part of an effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce damage from foreseeable natural hazards. LHMPs enable towns to qualify for grant funds, and they make our communities safer. The public, West Fairlee residents in particular, are invited to review the draft plan and make comments.
For questions, suggestions, or to request a draft of the plan, please contact Meghan Asbury at [email protected].
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NRBC Spring 2025 Program Info Sessions
Attend the 2025 Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) program information sessions covering diverse project funding opportunities for Catalyst, Forest Economy, and Timber for Transit. The webinars are listed below:
January 29, 11:00am: NRBC Overview of 2025 Programs
February 5, 10am /11:15am / 12:30 pm (in order): Forest Economy Program, Timber for Transit Program, and Catalyst Program Information Session
Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program
The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program is offering a series of four webinars this February, covering a variety of tree-related topics. From the fundamentals of tree pruning to creating a tree council in your community, there's something for everyone. To learn more about the classes and other offerings, visit the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program's website here.
February 4, 3:30pm: Arborist's Workbench Q & A
February 13, 9am: Collaborating with Municipal Staff for Urban Forestry Success
February 19, 11:30am: Tree Ordinance Basics
February 4,11, & 8, 6:30-9:30pm: Environmental Leadership Trainings
Register for ClimateReadyVT
ClimateReadyVT is a free program that helps local businesses in Vermont prepare for climate-related business disruptions. When participants commit to 14 hours of virtual participation, they earn a Climate Resilience Action Plan for their business and access to free business consultations with an estimated value of $3,000. Any business or nonprofit organization in Vermont with 50 employees or less are eligible to participate, as well as anyone who advises or provides technical assistance to Vermont businesses. Up to 5 employees from your organization can participate. For more information about ClimateReadyVT, click on this link here.
February 18 through June 3 Deadline to register: February 11
UPCOMING GRANTS
Better Connections FY 25-26 Application
The Better Connections Program--a coalition of VTrans, Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)--provides technical assistance and funds to towns to develop multi-modal transportation projects. Towns compete for $200,000 in project funds, and 10% local cash match is required. For more information about the program, click here. To submit the pre-application, access the form using this link.
Deadline: (Scheduling Pre-Application Interview) January 24, 2025 | (Application Deadline) February 21, 2025
Learn more about the funding opportunity here.
BRIC Program Funding
On January 6, 2025, FEMA announced that there is $750 million available for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding. BRIC helps state, local, Tribal and territorial governments address high-level future risks to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering. The application period is open from January 6th through April 18th, 2025.
Deadline: February 28, 2025
For more information about the BRIC program, read the program fact sheet here.
2025 AARP Community Challenge
Local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across Vermont are invited to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. This year, there are three grant opportunities: capacity-building microgrants, demonstration grants, and flagship grants.
Deadline: March 5, 2025 (Virtual Info Session: January 21, 1pm)
Fuel & Energy Assistance
Offered by Vermont Food Help, this program offers a range of fuel and energy assistance programs to folks who meet certain income requirements. The following opportunities are Seasonal Fuel Assistance, Crisis Fuel Assistance, Free Weatherization Services, Energy Assistance, and Fuel Buying Program.
Deadline: Rolling
To learn more about the benefits, eligibility requirements, and application process, visit the webpage using this link.
VLCT Scholarship
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) offers a $2,000 scholarship to an eligible individual planning on attending an accredited school in Vermont and are considering a career in municipal government. The VLCT Municipal Service Scholarship is available year-round and is awarded to at least one applicant for a one-time amount.
Deadline: Rolling
To check your eligibility and application requirements, visit the VLCT website for more details.
Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission · 128 King Farm Road · Woodstock · Vermont · 05091
