Governor Phil Scott Announces Second Round of Approved Community Recovery and Revitalization Program Project Applications

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced the second round of approved Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) grant applications for projects that spur economic recovery.

The program, administered by the Department of Economic Development (DED), aims to strengthen communities across the state by reversing the harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through assistance with capital investments that will help businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities to recover, retain existing jobs, and grow the economy.

Twenty-three projects have been reviewed by an interagency committee and approved for round two funding, resulting in a proposed award amount of $9,541,195, which is expected to support $92,206,478 in total project costs. The 23 projects are expected to support 844 existing jobs and enable the creation of 115 new jobs, 29 new affordable housing units, and 146 new childcare slots for low- to moderate-income families.

“My administration remains focused on increasing economic opportunity in communities across the state,” said Governor Scott. “These grants are an investment in the revitalization of our county economic centers and their surrounding communities that have been left behind for far too long, helping make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we have as a result of historic federal funds.”

“This second wave of approved applications represents projects that will provide assistance to households, help businesses in impacted industries to recover, and strengthen communities throughout the state,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein. “We look forward to announcing additional approved projects in the coming weeks and will continue to review applications until the funding is depleted.”

For the full list of approved projects, visit the ACCD website. Awards are spread across 10 counties.

Addison County project applications approved in this round:

Otter Creek Child Care Center, Inc., Middlebury - Community Child Care Expansion Project

• Construction of a state-of-the art, ADA compliant, 12,000+ sq. ft. building (part renovation, part new construction), located at the existing Otter Creek Child Center site, which is within a one-mile radius of Addison County’s two largest employers. This facility will serve 139 children ages six weeks to five years, serve a cross section of families of all backgrounds, create 28 new jobs, serve as a workforce development hub for the early care and learning industry, and provide a learning lab for high school and college students.
• Estimated total project cost: $10,692,533
• Proposed Award: $500,000

Starksboro Cooperative Preschool, Starksboro - Physical Plant Renovation

• Renovation and improvement to the Starksboro Village Meetinghouse (SVMH), utilized in long-term lease by the Starksboro Cooperative Pre-school (SCP), to add a second classroom and restroom that will extend enrollment opportunities to toddlers aged 24-36 months, creating 8-10 new slots for local families. Renovations include mechanical and life-safety systems, increased safety of outdoor spaces utilized by the pre-school, added functionality to the space, and preservation of the historic character of the Starksboro Village Meetinghouse.
• Estimated total project cost: $375,067
• Proposed Award: $75,000

The $40 million CRRP program, first proposed by the Scott Administration and passed by the Legislature in 2022 through Acts 183 and 185, is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. As of April 1, 2023, DED received 125 complete applications (54 approved) requesting more than $59 million in capital investment funding to assist with project costs totaling nearly $700 million. DED received 13 priority applications from BIPOC[MPM1]  (either owned, managed, or serving) applicants and 95 applications from non-MSA counties.

The amount awarded in the first two rounds totals $20,369,391 and represents projects in 13 counties. Additional applications remain under review for use of the remaining funds and will be announced in the coming weeks as they are approved. Applications will continue to be accepted until all funds are allocated.

Find the application and program details on the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program webpage.