The Better Connections Program (BC) is a partnership between the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Department of Public Health (VDH).
The BC 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 assisstance 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 master 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; and zoning bylaw and form-based code development. 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 opportunity to apply for additional funds to support projects that improve water quality and public health, physical activity, and access to healthy food.
The program is primarily funded by VTrans, with additional staff support and funding provided by ACCD, DEC, and VDH.
Program Updates
- 2021-2022 Program awardees announcement press release
- 2021 Program Annual Report
- View the 2020 Program Evaluation Report
Key Program Dates 2021-2022
Date | Event |
---|---|
December 3, 2020
|
Grant Announcement
|
January 15, 2021
|
Pre-application Letter of Interest Deadline & RPC Confirmation of Municipal Planning Process
|
February 19, 2021
|
Application Deadline
|
March 19, 2021
|
Award Decisions Announced
|
December 1, 2022 | Project Completion |
Applicant Resources
- 2021-2022 Program Overview
- 2021-2022 Grant Application Packet
- Sample work plan & budget
- Sample Resolution
- Sample RPC planning process confirmation letter
- Previous grant awardees
Grant Administration Resources
BC Program Contact Information
Amy Bell | Planning Manager
Policy, Planning & Intermodal Development
Vermont Agency of Transportation 802.279.0783 amy.bell@vermont.gov |
Richard Amore | Planning & Outreach Manager
Community Planning + Revitalization
Agency of Commerce and Community Development 802.585.0061 richard.amore@vermont.gov |