The Better Connections Program is a partnership between the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The Better Connections Program provides technical assistance and funds to local communities to help them achieve their goals and plan for growth. The program funds planning efforts to increase multi-modal transportation options and to improve land use, water quality, public health, and economic vitality in Vermont communities. The interagency program provides targeted municipal assistance to:
- help communities identify and prioritize their goals and projects;
- develop an action-oriented plan to achieve the goals and move projects directly to implementation; and
- link the communities to a growing network of public and philanthropic partners to help them implement their priority projects.
The Program is open to new applications biennially. Municipalities compete for approximately $200,000 in projects funds. A 10% local cash match is required. The Program funds physical plans focusing on: improved multimodal connectivity; active transportation and complete streets; access management; traffic calming; parking; wayfinding; rehabilitation of buildings; redevelopment of sites; housing; land use planning; stormwater management. In addition to development of the master plan, the program can fund corresponding economic and marketing plans to ensure the market viability of the proposed improvements and inform the municipality's capital planning. Applicants have the option to pursue and compete for an additional $90,000 in Clean Water funding (a max of $30,000 per community) provided by DEC to engage in Clean Water planning within their proposed Better Connections project area. No match is required for this additional funding.
The program is primarily funded by VTrans, with additional staff support and funding provided by ACCD and DEC.
Program Updates
Key Program Dates 2023-2024
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
|
December 11, 2024
|
Grant Announcement
|
|
January 24, 2025
|
Pre-Application Form and Meeting Deadline
|
|
February 21, 2025
|
Application Deadline
|
|
March 21, 2025
|
Award Decisions Announced
|
| July 31, 2026 | Project Completion |
Applicant Resources
Grant Administration Resources
- Toolkit For Local Officials - Better Connections
- Funding Directory for Downtowns and Village Centers
Completed Better Connections Studies
BC Program Contact Information
|
Faith Ahearn Dall | Planning Coordinator
Policy, Planning & Intermodal Development
Vermont Agency of Transportation 802.793.6680 faith.dall@vermont.gov |
Natalie Elvidge | Planning Coordinator
Community Planning + Revitalization
Agency of Commerce and Community Development 802.261.0681 natalie.elvidge@vermont.gov |