Almost $4 Million for Community Enhancement Projects



Nearly $4 million dollars will be distributed among 40 towns and
sponsoring organizations for projects that improve local transportation,
expanded recreational opportunities and encourage and support economic
development of Vermont's historic downtowns and village centers,
Governor Jim Douglas and Transportation Secretary Dawn Terrill announced
recently.
Governor Douglas said these resources, from the 2005 transportation
enhancement projects fund, help to preserve historic transportation
buildings and create visitor centers; construct sidewalks, bicycle
pathways and bridges; and purchase scenic easements that enhance the
state's travel and tourism industry. "These funds are a significant
contribution to our intermodal transportation system and help us to
continue to strengthen our economy," Governor Douglas added.
"Since 1995, these grants have been a base for funding local and
regional transportation development projects," noted Secretary Terrill.
"It is a broadly based grants program representing the best of Vermont
for Vermonters."
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), passed by
Congress in 1991, created the Transportation Enhancement Program
offering communities new funding opportunities to help expand local
transportation choices including safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
scenic routes, beautification, and other investments that increase
recreation opportunity and access.
In 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)
reaffirmed the federal commitment to communities by increasing funding
support for enhancements. Applications for enhancement funding are
reviewed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to affirm
project eligibility criteria, then are individually considered and
awarded by a grant committee.
VTrans staff also provides technical and limited project assistance to
grant recipients. Most community projects are completed within two years
of the grant award. Since 1995, 239 grant awards have been made to
Vermont communities totaling $30.5 million.
The next round of grants will be available in April, 2005 when the
agency provides application booklets to municipalities, regional
planning commissions, and non-profit organizations.
2005 ENHANCEMENTS APPLICATIONS FUNDED (News & Citizen area)
Village of Hyde Park, Engineering and Construction of Sidewalks in the
Village of Hyde Park,Grant $87,000, total project, $210,000.
Town of Morristown, Engineering and Construction of Wilkins Ravine
Stormwater Mitigation, Grant $75,000; total project cost $104,149.
Village of Johnson, Engineering and Construction of Phase 1 of the
Johnson Village Main Street Project, Grant $294,000, total project,
$367,254.