State Funding Available for Bike/Ped Projects

by Amy Kolb Noyes

The Vermont Agency of Transportation has made $2 million available in
2004 to build bicycle and pedestrian transportation projects, such as
sidewalks and recreation paths.
"Two million dollars is designated for design, acquisition of
right-of-way and construction of bicycle and pedestrian projects
statewide," a VTrans press release stated. "Projects must have completed
a feasibility study or equivalent type study to be eligible for
consideration of funding for construction."
Municipal officials in Lamoille County should contact the Lamoille
County Planning Commission to be considered for funding through the 2004
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. LCPC is charged with compiling and
prioritizing a list of projects in the region, in advance of the October
1 application deadline.
LCPC Sr. Transportation Planner David Pelletier explained, "VTrans, in
partnership with the Regional Planning Commissions, has asked for only
the two highest priority projects from each region. The Lamoille County
Transportation Advisory Committee will review each potential Lamoille
County project and evaluate the proposed projects using the same
criteria the state will use to evaluate the final submittals and decide
funding."
Pelletier said draft project applications are due to Lamoille County
Planning Commission Wednesday, September 1. There are 10 project
selection criteria on which each application will be judged. Included
are considerations such as project cost, public support for the project,
ecological impacts and impacts on economic development.
"New projects have not been requested for the past two years per order
of the current administration," Pelletier noted.
Transportation Secretary Patricia McDonald commented, "Selecting new
projects demonstrates the Agency's ongoing commitment to create a truly
multi-modal transportation system."
Since 1993, VTrans has funded 65 miles of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities statewide. Municipalities will be responsible for 10% local
match.
Project construction funding is intended to assist in the development of
bicycle and pedestrian facilities such as sidewalk extensions, multiuse
paths, and spot improvements such as the placement of bicycle racks,
benches for pedestrians, information kiosks, and other such amenities.
According to the 2004 Vermont Agency of Transportation Bicycle and
Pedestrian Program Guidebook, "projects should focus on the elimination
of barriers to bicycling and walking and be oriented toward the
implementation of a continuous network of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities throughout the community."
Pelletier said the Lamoille County Transportation Advisory Committee
will meet to review the draft applications on Wednesday, September 8.
The LCPC Board of Directors will vote on the TAC's recommendations on
Tuesday, September 14.
Questions about the program and process should be directed to David
Pelletier at Lamoille County Planning Commission, 888-4548 or
dave@lcpcvt.org.