Gov. Scott announces over $2 million in grants for downtown revitalization efforts
Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced awards of over $2 million in Downtown Transportation Fund (DTF) grants to support 15 projects in Designated Downtowns and eligible Designated Village Centers. See list below.
Since 1999, the Department of Housing and Community Development has been supporting investment in public infrastructure through the Downtown Transportation Fund. The program has helped update streetscaping, parking, rail, and bus facilities, bicycle and pedestrian safety, utilities, street lighting, and wayfinding signage.
“The recent revitalization work in St. Johnsbury, Waterbury and Bennington through Downtown Transportation Fund grants has shown that increased public investment in downtowns attracts private investments, strengthens local economies, and improves the quality of life for its residents and visitors,” said Governor Scott. “Efforts like this are critical components of our work to grow the economy in all 14 counties.”
This round of awarded projects ranges from making urgent repairs to a train station and connecting rail-trails for multi-use recreation to replacing traffic and pedestrian signals to improve safety and pedestrian experience. These grants continue to help Vermont’s communities to invest in infrastructure to make downtowns and village centers pedestrian, bike, and transit friendly.
“Transportation infrastructure improvements can have profound positive effects on communities and the quality of life of individual Vermonters by offering more alternatives and enabling more active lifestyles,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn.
In 2021 the program received a one-time $5M increase and opened eligibility to qualified Designated Village Centers. Since its inception in 1999, the program has invested over $13 million to support 151 projects in 32 different communities leveraging over $54 million in additional funding.
“We were excited to have the opportunity to expand eligibility to our smaller Designated Village Centers this year with the increase in funding’” said Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford. “A little funding can go a long way to making our downtowns and village centers attractive, safer, and more accessible to all.”
ADDISON COUNTY WINNERS
Town of Bristol, Basin Street Streetscape Improvements; $200,000
Basin Street improvements include the repair of the retaining walls and reconstruction of the streetscape and storm drain system along Main Street. The repairs will reduce erosion and improve water quality. Approximately 170 feet of sidewalk and 300 feet of guardrail will also be replaced to improve pedestrian access and safety.
Contact:
Valerie Capels
Town Administrator, Town of Bristol
Phone: 802 453-2410
Email: townadmin@bristolvt.org
City of Vergennes, Downtown and Basin Wayfinding Signage Installation; $79,760
Grant funding will implement a new wayfinding plan, a key recommendation in the Downtown-Basin Master Plan. The new signage will help visitors to navigate the downtown and basin areas while marketing the unique identity of Vergennes.
Contact:
Ron Redmond
City Manager, City of Vergennes
Phone: 802-238-5598
Email: manager@vergennes.org
More information about the Downtown Transportation Fund grants and summaries of the 2022 grant award winners are available here.