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NVCOG updates: Protect flood study, MTP timeline, microgrants, waste authority and tree canopy assessment
Summary
NVCOG staff provided updates on an 18–20 month Protect flood‑vulnerability study with ICF, the metropolitan transportation plan update (2027–2055) and deadlines for priority projects, an active transportation microgrant (awards up to $5,000, due March 13), EDA disaster supplemental funding eligibility, a regional waste authority formation, a tree canopy assessment, and a DOT bus‑shelter maintenance discussion.
NVCOG staff delivered a series of program updates at the Technical Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, including a regional flood‑vulnerability study that staff expect to start soon, a timeline for the metropolitan transportation plan update and new and continuing grant opportunities.
Protect project and consultant selection: Mark briefed members on the Protect project, a regional effort to assess local infrastructure vulnerability to severe flooding. NVCOG selected ICF International as the prime consultant, has finalized a scope and is negotiating fees; staff said they expect a fee proposal soon and anticipate the project will run about 18–20 months. "We've finalized the scope of work and agreed with them on the work they will be doing," Mark said; staff will request town participation to identify local critical infrastructure eligible for prioritization and grants.
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): Joanna Rogalski, NVCOG senior transportation planner, said the MTP update covers 2027–2055 and is on a federal four‑year update cycle. The process is in phase one (data collection); staff will share preliminary project lists with member towns and finalize priority lists by May 2026 so projects align with the 2027–2030 TIP. "We are currently in the middle of phase 1... and need the input of our member communities to help us identify these priority projects," Rogalski said.
Active transportation microgrant and school bike program: Staff announced the Active Transportation microgrant (year three funding of about $750,000). Individual awards are capped at $5,000 and applications are due March 13; eligible applicants include municipalities, departments, nonprofits and schools. A complementary bike‑safety training pilot in Waterbury will expand statewide with an initial rollout scheduled for March 6 to train PE teachers and students in grades 3–6.
EDA disaster supplemental grant: Staff noted the Economic Development Administration has nearly $1.5 billion available under a FY2025 disaster supplemental program in response to 2023–24 emergency declarations; Hartford County is not eligible but most other regional municipalities are. Staff offered help with municipal applications and suggested the possibility of a regional application bundling projects.
Regional waste authority and tree canopy assessment: Staff reported they are drafting bylaws, MOUs and a joint municipal ordinance to form a regional waste authority and have posted a job for a regional solid waste and recycling manager. Danny Thomas, GIS analyst and forester, announced receipt of tree canopy spatial data from the University of Vermont (2023 imagery and lidar) and invited tree wardens to a March 25 lunch‑and‑learn to help municipalities use the data.
DOT bus shelters and maintenance obligations: Members discussed a state bus‑shelter program that will install shelters at no upfront cost; localities will face a maintenance agreement requiring routine cleaning, trash removal and snow clearance. Members cautioned that long‑term maintenance obligations and easement needs may impose costs that advertising revenue might not cover.
