Exciting Developments in the Northeast Kingdom

There’s a lot happening in the Northeast Kingdom, especially for community builders! David Snedeker, the Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), is inviting folks to join the 2024 Vermont Community Leadership Summit on August 6th. The theme this year is ‘Forge Forward, Thrive Together.’ Attendees can dive into various sessions or take themed pathways that focus on Climate Resilience, Youth Leadership, and more.

In some good news, Catamount Arts has received a big boost! They secured a $475,000 grant intended for renovating and revamping their Creative Campus in St. Johnsbury. Jody Fried, the Executive Director, has dedicated over ten years to enhancing the region’s creative community.

Also worth mentioning is Craftsbury Saplings, which just received a huge $1M grant. This funding will help expand their childcare facility to meet the demands of the community. This award is part of a competitive Catalyst Program, with federal support coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

There’s been a notable change regarding state designations as well. Thanks to the passage of Act 181, towns and municipalities are no longer required to renew their downtown and village center designations. This shift is expected to lighten the administrative load for many local governments.

When it comes to rural wastewater issues, the EPA is on the scene with a program aimed at closing the wastewater access gap. This initiative could benefit rural Vermont communities that are struggling with issues such as failing septic systems. Technical assistance is being offered to help these communities work on their sanitation goals.

On the topic of flood management, FEMA is in the process of updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Vermont—something that hasn’t been done for many towns since the 70s or 80s. These updates will roll out in stages, and towns may see effective changes as early as 2025.

In a bid to help those recently impacted by flooding, the state has opened four Flood Recovery Centers, including one at the Vermont State University campus in Lyndon. Here, residents can find support for the challenges they’ve faced due to the floods.

If you’re part of a community that may benefit from FEMA’s property buyout program, be sure to act quickly! The state encourages municipalities to apply for this program by August 16th, as properties will be evaluated based on their pre-flood value.

A local nonprofit, Locally Social Gives, Inc., has set up a flood relief fund where NEK residents can apply for assistance. The goal is to offer quick financial help to those in need, so reach out if you or someone you know could benefit.

For businesses struggling with recent flooding, there’s support available too. The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund is offering grants to small, independently-owned businesses. Up to $2,500 is available for equipment replacement and operating expenses, all aimed at helping local businesses recover.

Additionally, a small loan program has been established by NCIC to provide emergency funds for businesses impacted by the floods, again with an emphasis on fast, accessible assistance.

If you’re interested in starting a business, NEKCA has a free workshop series to help you build a robust foundation for your ideas. These workshops will take place on Wednesdays and are open to anyone interested!

Lastly, we have some upcoming opportunities for career training at various institutions including Vermont State University, Vermont Technical College, and the North Country Career Center. Many sessions and courses are available to help refine skills and promote career growth in our communities.