Project Overview for Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission

Transportation Advisory CommitteeJanuary 16, 2013

Aaron BrownHUD ECV Transportation Chair &

Transportation Program Manager, Vital Communities

Why I’m Here Today

• Provide an overview of the East Central Vermont Regional Sustainable Development Plan project

• Gather your input – as citizens & caretakers of our towns and roads

The East Central Vermont Regional Plan for Sustainable Development

• Project Lead: Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission

• Sub-Contractors: Numerous, including Southern Windsor RPC, Vital Communities, and many other non-profits

• Framework: planning to support “Livability Principles” adopted by HUD, EPA, and US DOT

Livability Principles

• Provide more transportation choices • Promote equitable, affordable housing• Enhance economic competitiveness• Support existing communities • Coordinate and leverage federal policies and

investment• Value communities and neighborhoods

Project Areas

• Housing• Transportation• Climate Adaptation• Economic Development• Water Supply• Energy• Habitat• Health and Society

Transportation Deliverables

• East Central Vermont Transportation Plan• Increased transit use and availability• Reductions in vehicle miles travelled• Greater connection between trip generation

(land use) and the transportation system

In other words, how do we get here?

Step 1: Gather Input

Some Discussion Questions

• What are good ways to reduce the number of vehicle miles travelled?

• What has your town done to encourage people to bike, walk, take a bus, or carpool?

• What additional steps could your town take?

Work-Housing Connection

• Would it help if more affordable homes were closer to workplaces?

• Is job creation in Southern Windsor County – where housing is typically cheaper – more important than the above?

Paying for the System

• Are state/federal payments keeping up with local costs?

• If state payments don’t increase, how might towns keep up with costs?– Reduce maintenance? – Throw up Class III roads that are essentially drive

ways? – Return pavement to gravel?

Other Thoughts or Ideas?

Additional Project Outreach:

- Community survey- Public meetings

- Outreach to additional groups

Thanks

Aaron BrownTransportation Program Manager, Vital Communities

&HUD ECV Transportation Subgroup Chair

802-291-9100 ext. 111aaron@vitalcommunities.org