Planning grants are used to develop plans, conduct research, develop organizational capacity, and propose strategies. Implementation grants are awarded for actual site work, construction and rehabilitation. Both require a local match which varies depending upon the type and amount of the grant. Community Development money is well travelled, originating with the federal Department of housing and Urban Development, then passing to the Vermont Department of housing and Community Affairs where awards are made, and finally to cities and towns. HUD money has a number of stringent compliance and reporting requirements.
Emphasis is placed on proposals designed to benefit low and moderate income populations.
Consequently, most of the projects funded in this region and elsewhere are for housing, economic development infrastructure, or the rehabilitation of various types of public buildings. Currently, cvrpc is administering a community development grant for the Town of East Montpelier that involves a loan to Fairmont Farm to improve their maternity barn and manure processing. These improvements will allow the farm to increase the size of its dairy herd thereby retaining 13 jobs and creating 3 new ones. Call Laurie Emery at 229-0389 if you would like to learn more about what we can do for you. Chris Walsh is the senior planner for the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission.