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CCRPC pursues federal grants for commuter rail study, reviews grants and operations; racial and social justice to be added to board agenda
Summary
At the July 1 meeting the CCRPC reported work to secure EDA and EPA grants, said it will partner with CHAMP P3 on a $350,000 EDA grant to study commuter rail feasibility, reviewed FY21 budget status and staff COVID safety procedures, and agreed to add racial and social justice to a future board agenda.
CCRPC staff used the July 1 executive committee meeting to update members on grant efforts, budget and operations and to flag a future board discussion on racial and social justice.
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager, said CCRPC is partnering again with CHAMP P3 to apply for a $350,000 Economic Development Administration grant to study commuter rail feasibility in Chittenden and surrounding counties and to assess transit‑oriented development opportunities around potential stations. Churchill said the CCRPC did not receive a prior DOT BUILD grant but will coordinate with other regional planning commissions and stakeholders on the new EDA proposal.
Regina Mahony reported staff are working to secure EDA funding for a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and EPA funding for weatherization work in Winooski, but that grant awards were not yet known. On operations, Mahony said the FY21 budget remained as expected: ACCD funds were unchanged, VTrans funding was approved for the FY21 UPWP, and member municipalities plan to pay dues as committed. She noted staff continue to work primarily from home and that office workers follow a COVID Safety Plan that limits occupancy to roughly four to five people and requires masks, distancing, and enhanced cleaning.
Mike O’Brien, Chair, asked members to consider the CCRPC’s role in regional discussions about racial and social justice and requested the item be listed on a future board agenda. Andy Montroll and other members supported placing the issue on the board agenda while discussing whether staff need additional experience or expertise to support that work.
The committee also heard that a Clean Water Service Provider proposal has been submitted and that more information is expected after the next meeting scheduled for July 14, 2020. The board agenda for July 15 will include the items the committee recommended.
