The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is pleased to announce a grant funding opportunity for municipalities along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) to improve trail amenities and visitor experience on the LVRT. Eligible applicants for this grant program are municipalities directly adjacent to the LVRT, including: St. Johnsbury, Danville, Cabot, Walden, Stannard, Greensboro, Hardwick, Wolcott, Morristown (Morrisville), Hyde Park, Johnson, Cambridge (Jeffersonville), Fletcher, Bakersfield, Fairfield, Sheldon, Highgate, and Swanton. Municipalities may apply as a consortium and are encouraged to work with their Regional Planning Commission in refining project ideas.
Funding will be allocated for two project categories:
1) Feasibility/Scoping Study:
Project “Scoping” is the phase in the project definition process that moves a recognized need from an idea through the development of alternatives and an assessment of environmental impacts. A 'feasibility study" addresses possible alternatives when the solution is unknown. Either study may show that the project is not economically justifiable - or that it has so many environmental impacts that it is not viable. Early determination of such a finding will avoid unnecessary expenditure of funds on preliminary engineering and related costs.
2) Design/Construction:
Project design and construction includes engineering and design-related services directly relating to the construction of a project, including engineering, design, project development and management, construction management and inspection, surveying, mapping, and architectural-related services. Projects that align with identified needs and recommendations from the LVRT Management Plan, which is anticipated to be completed in August 2022, will be given priority scoring in the selection process.
Approximately $2 million is available for project funds. There is no program cap on the amount of funding granted to a specific project. There is a 20% local cash match requirement for all projects. Additional information can be found in the LVRT Earmark Program Guide and the LVRT Community Grant Application Form.
Grant Program Documents:
Grant Program Timeline:
- Pre-application consultation deadline (site visit and/or virtual): October 14, 2022, 4:00PM
- Application deadline: November 1, 2022, 4:00PM
- Award decisions: December 5, 2022, 4:00PM
- Funding obligated: September 30, 2025
- All funds expended: September 30, 2030
All questions and inquiries should be directed to:
Jackie Cassino | Vermont Rail Trails Program Manager
jackie.cassino@vermont.gov