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MERP Frequently Asked Questions Document - Updated as of 11/20/2024 to be inclusive of Q&As pertaining to the MERP Implementation Grant Phase.

This MERP IG Payment Request form is to be submitted to us once a MERP awarded municipality has expended funds and needs reimbursement, they would fill this out and send along with all invoices and proof of payment on those invoices.

MERP AFFIRMATION OF USE OF FUNDS (AUF) document to be filled out by MERP Implementation Grant Awardees and returned to BGS

BGS Press Release which announces the award letter and agreement release for the Municipal Energy Resilience Program Implementation grant awardees.

Press release for MERP Implementation Grant Eligibility Adjustment, released 9/11/24

MERP Implementation Application Walkthrough

MERP Implementation Grant Guidance Document REVISED 09112024

For Immediate Release
July 16, 2024

Contact
Kate Eberle, BGS Commissioner’s Office
802-798-9493 | kate.eberle@vermont.gov

$900,000 IN STATE GRANTS AVAILABLE TO VERMONT COMMUNITIES
Program supports recreation, human services, and economic development projects

Montpelier, Vt. — Applications are now open for the Building Communities Grants program, administered by the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS). These grants of up to $25,000 support construction and capital improvements to strengthen Vermont towns and regions. All grants require matching funds and community-supported fundraising efforts are encouraged. This year’s deadline is September 10, 2024. Details and applications are available on the Department of Buildings and General Services website: bgs.vermont.gov/commissioner/building-communities-grants.

“Building Communities Grants support the infrastructure needs of Vermont communities, providing the necessary gap funding for critical projects,” said BGS Commissioner Jennifer M.V. Fitch, P.E. “From facilitating improved accessibility at recreational facilities to funding equipment for small businesses to replacing roofs on schools, these grants contribute to economic development and quality of life in Vermont communities throughout the State.”

The grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, regional economic development organizations and municipalities. The facilities grant categories include human services, educational, recreational facilities, and regional economic development. Previous grants include the following:

• Human Services Facilities: Projects include insulating a service dog training center in Bennington, a ten-passenger handicapped accessible bus for St. Joseph’s Residential Care in Burlington, building renovations for Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier and the Good Samaritan Haven in Barre, and roof replacement at The Gathering Place in Brattleboro.

• Educational Facilities: Projects include paving and drainage improvements for the Russell Memorial Library in North Ferrisburgh, transforming a community theater into a regional performing arts center in Middlebury, ADA-compliance renovations at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston and completing phase two of the fire alarm sprinkler system at Southeastern Vermont Community Action Inc. in Windsor.

• Recreational Facilities: Projects include replacing boilers at the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center in Goshen and at the Prospect Mountain Association in Bennington, resurfacing the tennis and pickleball courts in the Towns of Manchester and Montgomery, purchasing a multi-use play structure in Fayston, and purchasing informational kiosks and signage for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Hardwick.

• Regional Economic Development: Projects include purchasing a second canning line at Shacksbury Cider in Vergennes, ADA-compliant renovations for The Court House, LLC in St. Albans, expanding the Cambridge Market, and installing business directional signage off the interstate in Fair Haven.

Although the award of the grants is competitive, the application process has been designed to be simple and straightforward to reduce the administrative burden on communities. Grant applicants will be awarded funding as determined by a special committee comprised of legislative branch members, executive branch administrative staff, and at-large Vermonters appointed by the Governor. Grant recipients will be announced in the fall of 2024.

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