Vergennes, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today joined local, state and federal partners to announce over $2.5 million in community development grants to nine communities in nine different counties throughout Vermont.
“From Alburgh to Brattleboro, communities across our state will use these grants to build housing, improve infrastructure, support business growth, restore historic buildings and serve the needs of working families and homeless Vermonters,” said Governor Scott. “There’s no shortage of good ideas in Vermont and these grants are a great tool to bring them to life.”
The state awards approximately $7 million annually in competitive grants through Vermont’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The grants are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding is targeted to address the needs of lower-income Vermonters through partnership between federal, state and local government.
“Every community in Vermont is special and it’s a privilege to work with so many communities, helping them address their most pressing issues,” said Acting Commissioner of Housing and Community Development Josh Hanford. “These partnerships between federal, state and local partners are improving the lives of many and strengthening the communities we call home.”
Vermont’s congressional delegation has been steadfast in supporting the funding that makes the program possible. In a joint statement, Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch said: “Congratulations to the nine Vermont communities receiving support through the Community Development Block Grant program. Through hard work and commitment, they have identified important local projects that invest in public infrastructure, care for families, provide affordable housing for our neighbors, and ensure that our public buildings are fully accessible so they can be enjoyed by all who live in our communities. We support the Community Development Block Grant program because it is built on a strong federal, state and local partnership that recognizes the promise of locally developed solutions like the projects we are celebrating here today.”
Community Development Grantees:
$400,000 City of Vergennes - Subgrant to Addison County Community Trust, who is partnering with Housing Vermont to develop 24 units of mixed-income housing at 45 Armory Lane in Vergennes.
$350,000 Town of Shaftsbury - Subgrant to Shires Housing to develop 22 units of mixed-income housing at Lake Paran Road in Shaftsbury.
$400,000 Town of Brattleboro - Subgrant to Groundworks Collaborative to construct a multi-use seasonal overflow homeless shelter, day shelter/drop-in center and administrative office space facility at 54-60 South Main Street in Brattleboro.
$1,000,000 Town of Bolton - Partial subgrant to Bolton Valley Community Water and Sewer to conduct water and wastewater improvements to a failing water system that serves 166 residential and 12 commercial users, and partial loan to the Bolton Valley Resort to support hotel renovations to become a four-season destination with year-round job creation.
$200,000 Town of Fair Haven - Grant to the Town of Fair Haven to create a community center on the second floor of the Town Offices, addressing fire code improvements and accessibility modifications.
$75,000 City of Montpelier - Subgrant to the Kellogg Hubbard Library for renovations to improve accessibility, including the replacement of the 45-year-old elevator.
$30,000 Town of Bridgewater - Subgrant to the Bridgewater Area Community Foundation to complete a feasibility study and financing plan to preserve and renovate the historic Bridgewater Village School into the Bridgewater Community Center, which will include a licensed childcare center.
$34,262 Town of Bradford - Subgrant to the Bradford Community Development Corporation to complete renovation plans to bring the historic Old Church Theater building into compliance with ADA and life safety codes.
$60,000 Town of Alburgh - Subgrant to the Alburgh School District to plan for, and construct, a new childcare facility located on the grounds of the Alburgh Community Education Center, with Northwest Regional Planning Commission serving as the project manager.
About the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD): The mission of ACCD is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: The Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information on ACCD please visit: accd.vermont.gov.
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