Thirteen Vermont cities and towns will receive more than $4 million in grants to make them more resilient, affordable, and accessible, Gov. Peter Shumlin announced last week. The municipalities will use the funds to build and improve affordable housing, complete disaster repairs, make public spaces accessible to all residents, and revitalize community centers. “Spring is coming and soon these grants will lead to construction projects across state that will help improve communities, grow jobs, and spur economic growth,” Gov. Shumlin said. “From Lyndon to Wilmington, these projects will help our small towns complete disaster recovery projects, create more affordable housing, and further develop their communities.” The Governor was joined by Patricia Moulton, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, who made the awards from the agency’s Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP). Representatives of the municipalities receiving grants attended the Statehouse ceremony to accept the awards. They were accompanied by the public, private, and nonprofit organizations that serve as project partners, a hallmark of the VCDP. “While targeted to the needs of lower income Vermonters, these projects will benefit their towns in many ways and for years to come.” added Sec. Moulton. “Each will make their community stronger from building new affordable homes in the heart of Hinesburg and ensuring all residents can access the public library in Washington to repairing Brandon’s historic town office building.” Also at the ceremony were representatives of Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch. Each member of the congressional delegation has played a key role in securing the funding that makes the program possible. The grants are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program helps Vermonters by developing affordable housing, creating jobs, making town halls and community centers accessible by those with disabilities and providing services for people in need. It has also been the source of approximately $40 million to help the state recovery from Tropical Storm Irene and other major floods. The state awards the competitive grants through ACCD’s Department of Housing and Community Development based on the recommendations of the Vermont Community Development Board and final approval by Secretary Moulton. To view the full list of awardees and project descriptions, click here.
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