The Department of Housing and Community Development is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $335,000 in Downtown Transportation Fund Grants (DTF) to support revitalization efforts in Designated Downtowns and approximately $20,000 in Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment funding to support DC fast charge and Level 2 charging stations on publicly owned property in both Designated Downtowns and Designated Village Centers.
The Downtown Transportation Fund is a financing tool which assists municipalities in paying for transportation-related capital improvements within or serving a Designated Downtown. Past projects include streetscape improvements, bicycle & pedestrian amenities, utility relocation, street lighting, way-finding signage and other transportation related projects. Investment in the infrastructure of public spaces stimulates public investment and creates a sense of identity and pride in downtowns across Vermont. Since its inception in 1999 the program has awarded over $10 million for 116 capital improvement projects in 22 designated downtown communities leveraging $48 million in investments.
Grant applications for both Downtown Transportation Grants and Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment grants are due March 19, 2018.
See the 2018 Downtown Transportation Fund Grant Program Description<https://accd.vermont.gov/sites/accdnew/files/documents/CD/CPR/CPR-DTF-Application-Guidelines.doc> for eligibility, funding and application requirements. Any municipality with a Designated Downtown may apply for funding and must be submitted by the municipality. The maximum grant amount is $100,000 in any fiscal year. Grant funds may not exceed 50% of the overall project and a 50% match is required. Projects must demonstrate the ability to start the project within 18 months and be completed within 30 months.
Here are a few changes to the Downtown Transportation Fund Grant
* Municipalities with two or more active Downtown Transportation Fund Grants will be ineligible to receive funding.
* Projects that have been identified, described, and well supported through a downtown area master planning process such as Better Connections<https://vtrans.vermont.gov/planning/projects-programs/better-connections> or other planning process focused on the downtown, will receive an additional bonus point.
* 2017 Downtown Reinvestment Statistics must be submitted prior to grant application deadline to be eligible.
* In FY19, $200,000 in clean water funding from Agency of Natural Resources may be available to Downtown Transportation Fund within or serving a designated downtown for projects that help control flooding, reduces erosion, and improves water quality. Funding is pending approval by the legislature.
See the attached 2018 Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Grant Guidance Document for eligibility, funding and application requirements. Any municipality with a Designated Downtown or Designated Village Center may apply for funding and must be submitted by the municipality. The maximum grant amount is $20,885. Grant funds may not exceed 75% of the overall project and a 25% match is required.
Please contact Gary Holloway<mailto:[email protected]>, the Downtown Program Coordinator at 802-828-3220 if you have questions or need assistance with the Downtown Transportation Fund or Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment grant application.