Executive director: several federally funded projects paused while agencies review new executive‑order guidance

The Lamoille County Regional Planning Commission’s executive director reported that a recent federal executive order and subsequent agency review have prompted a pause or review of several federally funded projects that involve the commission.

Key points raised by the executive director: - Economic Development Administration (EDA) project pause: Staff have been asked by funders to pause work with consultants on a multi‑RPC EDA grant that included economic‑modeling work for Lamoille County and related recovery activities. - Brownfields and Safe Streets for All: The executive director said the status of Brownfields funding and a Safe Streets for All grant are similarly under review as federal agencies and state departments interpret the new guidance. - Health equity grant risk: A smaller health equity grant through the state Department of Health that is federally funded was described as at risk; the executive director said the bulk of the related health equity work had already been completed but expressed uncertainty about continuation of that grant.

The executive director told the commission that much depends on where funds are already obligated and on how state agencies proceed; she also said the commission has a state funding surplus this year that should help the organization manage cash‑flow or program continuity if federal funds are delayed or not continued.

Staff direction and next steps Staff said they will continue to monitor guidance from federal agencies and the state and will keep the commission informed. The executive director asked for patience while agency policy and legal questions are resolved and emphasized that staff are working to support communities that rely on the grants for hazard mitigation, buyouts and other projects.

Provenance (selected transcript excerpts): - “We, we have a large grant, with our fellow RPCs in Northwest And Northern Vermont with the Economic Development Administration… that’s for economic modeling of the Lamoille… they have asked us to put our work with consultants on pause just as they try and figure out what has to happen next.” - “The future. Likewise, our Brownfields funding, and we have a federal grant, Safe Streets for All… We do have a health equity grant through the Department of Health, which is federally funded. We do not have a lot of hope or anticipation about the continuation of that grant.”