Source: vermontbiz.com, March 30, 2011 “Three communities were awarded grants this week by the Vermont Downtown Development Board to fund local infrastructure improvements such as new sidewalks, signage and streetlights. The Vermont Downtown Development Board announced the awards totaling $127,594 on Monday for Morrisville, Rutland City and St. Albans City. The funds, which are from the state’s Downtown Transportation Fund, are available to communities that are part of the Vermont Downtown Program. Established in 1994, the Vermont Downtown Program helps invest in the economic growth and cultural landscape of Vermont’s cities, villages and towns. Funding Awards:
Morrisville – $27,594 for sidewalk reconstruction on and around Main Street and Pleasant Street, as well as new sidewalk and streetlights on Portland Street. Matching funds were provided by the town, as well as $15,000 in private donations to the community’s downtown organization. This project continues the town’s efforts to improve pedestrian access within their downtown.
Rutland City – $25,000 for phase 2 of the city’s new wayfinding signage program to direct visitors to downtown destinations such as the Paramount Theater, the Amtrak train station and local shops.
St Albans City – $75,000 for new streetlights along Main Street, as part of a larger $1.5 million project to improve the city’s pedestrian infrastructure, including outdoor dining, trees and broader sidewalks in downtown.
“These are terrific projects that recognize the importance of high-quality pedestrian amenities in support of downtown business development,” said Noelle Mackay, Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development and Chair of the Downtown Development Board. “The board is pleased to be able to support these projects, and to recognize the energy and commitment in each community that makes our downtowns so special.” The Vermont Downtown Development Board also renewed the village center designation on Monday for Enosburg Falls, West Rutland, Royalton and South Royalton, which are four of the 102 village centers participating in the Vermont Downtown Program. Downtowns and village centers that are part of the Vermont Downtown Program are eligible for a number of benefits, including tax credits, loans and grants from various state agencies to help enhance economic opportunities, preserve historic buildings and improve infrastructure in core areas. For more information, visit www.historicvermont.org/programs/downtown.html.
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