The Town of Waitsfield was one of three Central Vermont towns recently awarded a Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) from the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development. At a press conference held at the Central Vermont Medical Center on February 11th, Governor Phil Scott announced a total of $468,552 in MPG awards for 2020.

“Reinforcing town and village centers is critical to growing our economy. Like so many towns in Vermont, Berlin, Middlesex and Waitsfield rely on the work of planning commissioners, selectboard members and other volunteers to strengthen their communities for future generations,” said Governor Scott. “I’m pleased we can support their efforts through these grants.”

The Town of Waitsfield applied for the grant with assistance from MRVPD to undertake a wetlands analysis in Irasville and Waitsfield Village. The town’s application, “Wetlands Identification for Village Planning,” will identify and map wetlands and other important natural resources to inform master planning for mixed use infill. Grant funds totaling $4,938 will allow Waitsfield to continue to pursue goals related to sustainable development and natural resource protection in its village areas.

Governor Scott also commended the success and importance of local planning initiatives such as the Mad River Valley Active Transportation Plan, which is helping to expand trail networks and other opportunities for non-motorized recreation and transportation.

Since 1998, the Municipal Planning Grant program has awarded over $13 million to cities and towns across the state, including $323,621 for the towns of Fayston, Waitsfield, and Warren. For more information, visit the program website here.