FY 2011 Funding Requests
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT (WRDA) AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS
Vermont Wastewater, Stormwater and Water Supply Infrastructure
$20,000,000
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
To establish a statewide program to provide environmental assistance to non-federal interests in Vermont, including projects for wastewater, stormwater, and water supply facilities. There is a critical need in Vermont to improve impaired water quality, comply with state and federal environmental regulations, and to strengthen the economy. Vermont is composed predominantly of small towns and villages with hundreds of failing or otherwise antiquated small-scale water systems and inadequate wastewater treatment facilities. Smaller municipalities can’t address these needs because of prohibitive costs; at the same time, municipalities with populations above 10,000 are not eligible for assistance through US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The demand for the limited funding that does exist far exceeds availability. This WRDA request would establish a pilot program for providing environmental design and construction assistance to non-federal interests, in the form of grants or reimbursements of project costs.
Shoreline Stabilization and Bulkhead Replacement, Newport, Vermont
$1,000,000
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
To authorize the Corps to conduct a study and if the Secretary determines that the project is feasible, to carry out a project to replace a failing timber bulkhead on Lake Memphremagog in the City of Newport with a concrete capped steel sheet bulkhead. The existing bulkhead has significant voids and is eroding fill into the Lake, which contributes to water quality problems, inhibits navigation, limits economic development opportunities, and impedes recreational access on the Newport lakeshore.
Harbor and Shoreline Improvements, Burlington, Vermont
$3,000,000
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
To authorize the Corps to conduct a study and if the Secretary determines that the project is feasible, to implement various harbor and shoreline improvements in Burlington harbor, including 1) restoration of the shoreline through “softening” as well as repair, stabilization and improvement of existing rip-rap, bulkheads, etc; 2) removal of lake bottom debris that create navigational hazards; 3) installation of passive and/or mechanical systems to treat surface water runoff into Lake Champlain; 4) recreational amenities to enhance public access to the Lake; and 5) a comprehensive landside and harbor bottom survey of environmental conditions.
Dam Spillway Replacement, Waterbury, Vermont
$32,500,000
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
To authorize design and construction of a new spillway and gates at the Waterbury Dam, a high-hazard flood control dam in the Winooski River watershed, designed and constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1938 and currently operated by the State of Vermont. As early as 1988, problems were noted with the three steel floodgates; in 2002 one of the gates jammed in the open position. Measures were taken in 2005 to restore gate operations, but this was considered a temporary fix. The Corps has determined that the gates do not meet current structural criteria, reducing the effectiveness of downstream flood control and increasing the risk to public safety and downstream property. The cost share would use the same formula as the Waterbury Dam seepage control project undertaken by the Corps in 2002-2006.
Emergency Streambank Stabilization Projects
No additional authorization amount required
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The following two projects would be added to list for which the Corps will conduct a study, and if the Secretary determines they are feasible, to carry out projects under section 14 of the Flood Control Act of 1946:
- Upper Connecticut River, Maidstone, Essex County, Vermont. To address severe streambank erosion along a 500 foot section of the Connecticut River just north of the Guildhall-Maidstone town line that is threatening State Highway 102.
- Neshobe River, Brandon, Rutland County, Vermont. To address severe streambank erosion that is threatening a town highway and the main waterline serving the Town of Brandon.
Dam Remediation
No change in the authorization amount is required
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
To amend Section 543 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 by adding four dams to the list of twenty for which the Corps is directed to evaluate the structural integrity and need for modification or removal; to provide designs and cost estimates for the repair, restoration, modification, and removal; and to carry out measures if the Corps determines that any of the dams present an imminent and substantial risk to public safety, or to restore, protect, and preserve an ecosystem. No change in the authorization amount is required. The four dams to be added are:
- Institute Pond Dam, Lyndon.
- Pleasant Valley Reservoir Dam, Brattleboro.
- Windsor Upper Dam, Windsor.
- St. Albans South Reservoir Dam, Fairfax.
Small Projects for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
No additional authorization amount required
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Ryegate, Vermont
To add the following project to the list for which the Secretary shall conduct an aquatic ecosystem restoration study and if the Secretary determines that a project is appropriate, to carry out the project under section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996:
- Ticklenaked Pond, Ryegate, Vermont. - Project for aquatic ecosystem restoration, Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont.
Programmatic issue for WRDA legislation: Temporary Suspension of Cost Share
To suspend, temporarily, the state cost share for WRDA projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers. Vermont and many other states across the nation are facing dire fiscal conditions due to the economic downturn. It is estimated that states will face a combined deficit of $150 billion in the next fiscal year. In many areas, Corps projects have stalled due to a lack of funds by the local cost share partner. Many of these projects are vital to the safety of communities and the protection of assets yet have not moved forward because communities simply cannot shoulder the additional burden of increased taxes to pay for much-needed projects. In order to act as an economic stimulus, it is necessary to temporarily suspend cost share requirements.
TRANSPORTATION-HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT APPOROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Vermont Agency of Transportation
Champlain Bridge Project
$30,000,000
On October 16, 2009, the New York State Department of Transportation - in cooperation with the Vermont Agency of Transportation - permanently closed the Champlain Bridge between New York and Vermont due to structural deterioration. The 80-year-old bridge served as a critical transportation link over Lake Champlain, and its closure has created economic hardship on both sides and forced many of the 3,500 daily travelers on a 100-mile detour. Temporary ferry service has been established near the old bridge, and plans are underway to begin construction of a new bridge this summer. New York and Vermont are splitting the costs of the ferry service and new bridge, and they are funding the project through a split of federal formula funds and state matching dollars. The emergency nature of this project has hamstrung the transportation budgets for both states.
Village of Essex Junction
Multi-Use Safety Path
$400,000
This money would fund the construction of a multi-use path on Rail America owned property from North Street to Central Street in Essex Junction. High school students and pedestrians frequently use this section of railroad as a shortcut, which creates an unsafe environment for both train operators and the pedestrians themselves. The area has no lighting and is an especially unsafe environment to walk in the evening hours. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to utilize this shortcut in a safe, fenced in paved pathway with adequate lighting.
Village of Northfield
Northfield Revitalization Project
$200,000
The Northfield Village Common is the heart of the community, featuring a park, fountain, and Civil War monument. Decades of asphalt paving and patching have resulted in an unacceptable elevation of the traveled way and the parking areas in the Common, and a reduction in curbing. This project would go towards repaving the streets and sidewalks adjacent to the common.
Vermont Community Loan Fund
Building Bright Futures Project
$575,000
The Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) is a nonprofit that provides loans, grants, and ongoing technical assistance to promote the development of affordable housing, community facilities, local businesses, child care programs, and other projects that benefit low income Vermonters. This funding will go towards the VCLF's Building Bright Futures program, which is currently funded with revenue generated from the sale of specialty child care licenses plates, appropriations by the Vermont Legislature, and private contributions. Last year, this fund received $370K in applications, but only had $70K to grant. Grants go to both private and non-profit childcare operations. Maximum grants are $25,000, and priority is given to full-day, full-year operations and programs offering weekend or extended hour care. Eligibility only for centers with at least 25% kids from low income families.
Housing Vermont
Housing Expansions and Improvements
$800,000
Housing Vermont is a non-profit syndication and development company with an excellent reputation in Vermont for working cooperatively to develop or improve the state's affordable housing stock. These funds will be used to support their many worthy projects. The economic downturn has hit Vermonters hard and housing costs are a burden for many working families. Investments in affordable housing can increase or maintain the quality of living for Vermonters who may otherwise struggle to stay in their homes.
Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Housing Expansions and Improvements
$800,000
An independent board created by state government in 1987 the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has a dual mission to create affordable housing and preserve valuable state land, resources and structures. Often working collaboratively with other housing groups the VHCB is involved in many of the affordable housing developments around the state. This funding will go directly towards increasing or improving affordable housing stock where it is needed in the state. As with the other housing grant I have requested I believe this is a good investment of federal funds given the current economic situation. This request is different than the request submitted by Senator Leahy in his request letter.
Enosburg Falls Economic Development Corporation
Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements
$300,000
The Enosburg Falls Economic Development Corporation purchased the Enosburg Industrial Park in 1997, hoping to lease the seven lots to local businesses. Currently, two businesses have leased two of the seven lots each; however, it has proven difficult to attract additional tenants without bringing water and sewage to the site. Currently the Corporation is using Enosburg Town's line of credit to construct a small portion of the infrastructure. Without additional help, however, Enosburg does not have the resources to make significant progress. This funding would significantly help the struggling town of Enosburg by attracting businesses to the area.
Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
Preserving Vermont Assets
$400,000
These funds would be spent by the Division for Historic Preservation for improvements, refurbishments or structural rehabilitation for historic structures in the State of Vermont. There are many historic structures in Vermont that are in need of restoration or improvement in order to continue serving a public need. Funds are needed to restore the distinctive historical character of these community assets before they are lost to future generations forever.
Defense Authorization Requests
Upgrade Taxiways and Replace Arm/Disarm Pads
$16,500,000
Vermont Air National Guard
Burlington International Airport, Vermont
This project will improve the D and F taxiways at Burlington International Airport. Currently, these taxiways are 50' in width and have no paved shoulders. Furthermore, the Arm/Disarm pads are undersized and do not meet wingtip clearance requirements for parked and taxiing aircraft. Both taxiway surfaces have deteriorated and require an upgrade. This project will widen the taxiways, improve the Arm/Disarm pads and upgrade the taxiway surfaces from asphalt to concrete.
Readiness Center
$828,000
Vermont Army National Guard
Morristown, Vermont
This project will design a new center to improve readiness, support end strength, and improve the Vermont Army National Guard soldier’s quality of life. This center will be a
one-story structure with mechanical and electrical equipment. Outside supporting facilities will include military and privately-owned vehicle parking, fencing, exterior fire protection, and outside lighting.
Soldier Support Center, Camp Ethan Allen Training Site
$1,998,000
Vermont Army National Guard
Jericho, Vermont
The Ethan Allen Training Center has a insufficient billeting capacity. However, there is currently no physical fitness facility for the transient personnel, nor are there adequate laundry facilities. Also, there is no adequate lounge/day room for the soldiers to rest and participate in recreational activities. The requested soldier support center will remedy these deficiencies.
AMWS Drill Hall Expansion
$1,123,000
Vermont Army National Guard
Jericho, Vermont
This project will add a second-story addition to the existing Applied Instruction Facility at the Ethan Allen Firing Range. The Range is a federally licensed training area in Vermont. Construction of this facility will afford the Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) an all weather capability to train for its requirements in vertical mobility and casualty evacuation.
Live Fire Shoot House
$1,999,000
Vermont Army National Guard
Jericho, Vermont
This project will enhance squad level training in urban environments by providing Commanders with a facility to train and evaluate their unit during a live fire exercise. The Vermont Guard has also determined that this project is necessary to meet training requirements that Guard members be able to move tactically through closed spaces by learning how to safely enter and clear rooms and buildings, engage combatants and practice target discrimination.
Gulf War Illness Research Program
$25,000,000
US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command
Fort Detrick, MD
The objective of the five year old Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP) Gulf War Illness Research Program (GWIRP) is to identify beneficial treatments and diagnostic markers for Gulf War Illnesses (GWI), the complex of chronic symptoms resulting from service in the 1991 Gulf War which affects at least 175,000 veterans, one in four of those who deployed. This request for $25 million follows the November 2008 release of the 454-page report by the congressionally-mandated Research Advisory Committee (RAC) on Gulf War Illnesses, which concluded that “[t]he extensive body of scientific research now available consistently indicates that Gulf War illness is real, that it is the result of neurotoxic exposures during Gulf War deployment, and that few veterans have recovered or substantially improved with time.” The report called for a “renewed federal research commitment … to identify effective treatments … to achieve the critical objectives of improving the health of Gulf War veterans and preventing similar problems in future deployments.”
With exposures to toxins, chemical weapons, and other hazardous substances being a permanent reality for our service members this research is not only important to Gulf War veterans, but to current and future force health protection; not to mention public health generally.
This request for a $25 million authorization has the support of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Association for Uniformed Services, the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Reserve Officers Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Veterans of Modern Warfare, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Bill Language for an Annual Report on Defense Department Child Care Assistance Programs
The need for improved child care services, particularly for the Reserve Component and active duty personnel who do not live on a military installation, has become more apparent in the last few years. With repeated deployments and shorter dwell time, military families with children are being put under additional strain. Financial support for child care services is an important component to maintaining military and family readiness, retention, and reducing divorce among military families.
The FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included language Senator Sanders authored mandating the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to prepare a report on child care assistance available for members of the Armed Forces.
This year Senator Sanders has requested a new provision, to be included in the FY 2011 NDAA, mandating a permanent annual report to Congress on military child care programs. This report would detail the use and effectiveness of child care programs available to those members of the military who do not live on a military installation or for members of the Reserve Component serving in support of a contingency operation. This report would be an important step in improving support for military families under increasing stress as the nation fights two wars.
AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Vermont Technical College; Randolph Center, VT
Vermont Grass Biofuels Research
$187,400
This funding would allow Vermont Technical College to research potential biomass fuels native to Vermont and the Northeast. Vermont Technical College operates an existing program through which it grows different species of grasses, uses those grasses to create biofuel pellets, and then uses these pellets to fuel a sophisticated boiler that heats the agricultural building on the college’s Randolph Center campus. Vermont Technical College would use this additional funding to building on its existing biomass heating project and undertake full-scale research into selection, cultivation harvesting and pelletizing of biofuel crops native to Vermont and the Northeast.
Vermont Community Garden Network; Burlington, VT
Statewide School Garden Initiative
$120,000
Many Vermont public schools currently offer gardening programs which model healthy living and nutrition, while teaching new generations of students about the importance of locally grown foods and community involvement. This funding would allow the Vermont Community Garden Network to expand 40 of these community school gardens into a state-wide summer gardening initiative that teaches children and youths how to grow fresh produce using land on or adjacent to school campuses.
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Vermont Department of Education, Montpelier, VT
Sustainable Energy in Schools Project
$1,000,000
The Vermont Department of Education would use this funding to hold a sustainable energy competition in which Vermont public schools would present plans to increase their energy sustainability using geothermal, solar, wind, or other alternative sources. Proposals would include methods by which schools would incorporate energy sustainability initiatives into the curriculum. Winning proposals would receive funding to help them put their plans into action. This project is designed to educate schoolchildren about the benefits and feasibility of sustainable energy. The Vermont Department of Education held a similar competition using funding secured during the FY09 appropriations cycle that focused only on solar projects. The competition was wildly successful, with 23 schools presenting plans and ten receiving prizes.
Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Burlington, VT
Sustainable Energy Homeowner Outreach Project
$350,000
The Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) is an innovative yet well established non-profit corporation with substantial involvement in energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts in the state of Vermont. They administer the work of Efficiency Vermont, the nation’s first energy efficiency utility, as well as other state grant programs as part of their considerable portfolio. With this grant, VEIC would launch an educational marketing campaign to increase awareness about energy savings opportunities in Vermonters’ homes. Through this campaign VEIC would aim to achieve electrical and thermal energy savings through the installation of home energy savings products. VEIC would also use this funding to promote increased awareness as to financing sustainable energy home improvements, and would assist with financing such projects.
Johnson State College, Johnson, VT
Student Health and Physical Education Center Improvement Project
$207,500
The Student Health and Physical Education facility at Johnson State College is currently heated by fuel-oil-heated, circulated hot water and cooled by a compressor based cooling system. This project would install a geothermal heat pump for the exercise and cardio areas of the facility. This system would reduce the connected electric load of the facility and would be more than three times as efficient as the most efficient oil fired heating system. The geothermal aspect of this project would be limited to the exercise and cardio areas of the facility and would not expand to the gymnasium, locker rooms, or pool. The project would also, however, install a solar hot water system to heat the pool water and install a domestic hot water heater for the remainder of the facility. This project is valuable not only because it reduces the college’s overall carbon footprint but also because it educates students as to the benefits of sustainable energy.
FINANCIAL SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Johnson State College/Upward Bound; Johnson, VT
Highschool Greening Summit
$75,000
The Johnson State College Project Green and Greening Summit was instituted three years ago. It has since provided an opportunity for participating students from twelve different VT high schools to develop and expand their knowledge of pressing environmental issues and then to acquire the necessary skills to begin to address these challenges. In addition to participating in a Greening Summit where the students will share their projects and research, they will travel to Washington, D.C. to see how some major environmental challenges are faced on a federal level. The success of the project over the past three years has been far-reaching in not only spreading information, but in creating green jobs development and training for these students and their teachers. This funding would go towards expanding the program.
Vermont Workers' Center-Jobs with Justice, Inc; Burlington, VT
Money 101 Program
$103,395
During a time when our country’s economic crisis is affecting each and every American, it is critical that low-income and working citizens have the tools to make informed financial decisions. The Money 101 Program will make necessary information readily accessible to the people of Vermont.
In each of Vermont’s 14 counties the program will organize and conduct a series of three hour financial literacy trainings. The goal of the program will be to help ensure long-term and short-term financial stability for low-income and working families who are struggling to make sound financial decisions. In addition to group workshops, each participant will have the opportunity for one-on-one follow-up meetings to address more specific financial needs and difficulties.
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT); Richmond, VT
The Farmer to Farmer Mentoring Project
$135,000
The primary goal of the Farmer to Farmer Mentor Project is to aid local farms and young farmers by increasing their knowledge of organic farming. The funding for this program will set up four specific projects whose success will be measured by: the number of farms that successfully transition to organic; the number of young farmers who participate in apprenticeships; and the number of farmers markets and school gardens that are started as a result.
Burlington Schools Food Service, Burlington, VT
The Old North End (ONE) Community Kitchen
$100,000
The Old North End Community Kitchen is a community-wide effort to simultaneously strengthen community food security and the local food economy. The kitchen will be located at the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes Elementary School, a public school in South Burlington, Vermont, which has a high number of students eligible for free and reduced price lunch. It will be used as a space for farms, co-ops, and organizations in the community to come together to provide local food to roughly 200 students, grades K-5, of which 92% qualify for free-or reduced-price meals. As a collaborative effort these community groups will work with children teaching nutritional education, while also making connections among local food growers and marketers. The funding for this project will enrich the health of these children and provide support for the burgeoning local foods movement in Vermont.
Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force, Berlin, VT
Vermont Farm Fire Extinguisher Cost-share and Education Program
$110,000
The recent rash of barn fires in Vermont has caused the loss of assets of working family farms and small businesses. To confront this growing economic challenge the Vermont Farm Fire Extinguisher Cost-Share and Education Program will provide financial incentive for farms to bulk-purchase fire extinguishers and to work with local fire departments for pre-planning assistance and education. Each farmer participating in the program will be permitted to order any number of extinguishers necessary to satisfy safety specifications at a discounted price. Each recipient will be required to sign a written commitment to install all purchased extinguishers within ten days of delivery.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Harwood Union High School District No. 19, Duxbury, VT
Drinking Water Improvements Project
$150,000
Harwood Union High School has been plagued for decades with poor water quality and low yielding water sources. The situation has become so dire that the school has been forced to begin hauling water in, which is an unsustainable situation. The school recently added two wells and a disinfection system, but these measures were not sufficient to meet system demand and solve all the drinking water problems that have plagued the school. The school is currently in need of additional source water, replacement of a storage tank that is nearing the end of its useful life, and possible treatment for iron and manganese.
City of Rutland, VT
U.S. Route 4/Woodstock Ave. 1858 Water Main Replacement
$550,000
This is a 2850-foot, 12-in Ductile Iron water main replacement project to replace a 6-inch original 1858 cast iron water main. The current main is 50 years beyond its expected life span and fails to meet the needs of both the abutting residential neighborhoods and businesses that are located along U.S. Route 4 within the City of Rutland. The current main runs directly beneath 10 buildings and within 10 feet of five others and must be relocated to the road right-of-way during the next road construction project. The current main fails to meet the requirements of the State of Vermont Water Supply Rule (Ch. 21, App. A, Pt. 8) for adequate firefighting and fire suppression capacity and is currently the only main serving that portion of U.S. Rte 4, thus reflecting no redundancy. The City has forgone multiple development projects along this vital federal artery due to the inability of proposed businesses to tap into this brittle and easily compromised cast iron main, thus reflecting the critical nature of this main as an economic development tool as well.
Grand Isle Consolidated Water District, Grand Isle, VT
Water Treatment Improvements Project
$400,000
This funding would go towards water treatment improvements to reduce disinfection by-products in the finished water supply. The proposed project will improve drinking water quality and help the system maintain compliance with water quality standards for disinfection by-products. Local bond authorization will also contribute to the funding of this project, demonstrating the community’s commitment and desire to see the project come to fruition.
Alburgh Village, Vermont
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
$500,000
Federal funding is needed for the replacement of the Alburgh Village water treatment facility, which has exceeded its useful design life. The improvements would include increasing the treatment capacity so that the treatment plant could accommodate the South Alburgh Fire District No. 2, which currently is served by individual lake intakes and wells, many of which do not meet the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Project Name: Readiness Center
Request: $828,000
Service Component: Army National Guard
Project Number: 500067
Project Location: Morristown, Vermont
This project will design a new center to improve readiness, support end strength, and improve the Vermont Army National Guard soldier’s quality of life. This center will be a one-story structure with mechanical and electrical equipment. Outside supporting facilities will include military and privately-owned vehicle parking, fencing, exterior fire protection, and outside lighting. This center will provide necessary resources to fully prepare National Guard soldiers to deployment, making it invaluable to national security.
Project Name: Soldier Support Center, Camp Ethan Allen Training Site
Request: $1,998,000
Service Component: Army National Guard
Project Number: 500074
Project Location: Jericho, Vermont
The Ethan Allen Training Center has a billeting capacity of 600 soldiers. However, there is currently no physical fitness facility for the transient personnel, nor are there adequate laundry facilities. Also, there is no adequate lounge/day room for the soldiers to rest and participate in recreational activities. The requested soldier support center will remedy these deficiencies, creating an environment more accommodating for soldiers so that they are fully prepared and focused on their training.
Project Name: AMWS Drill Hall Expansion
Request: $1,123,000
Service Component: Army National Guard
Project Number: 500078
Project Location: Jericho, Vermont
This project will add a 7,321 square foot second-story addition to the existing Applied Instruction Facility at the Ethan Allen Firing Range. Ethan Allen Firing Range is a 11,219 acre federally licensed training area in Vermont. Construction of this facility will afford the Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) an all weather capability to train for its requirements in vertical mobility and casualty evacuation. The ability to conduct this training outdoors in inclement weather is limited due to safety considerations and is a noted training deficiency. In a state like Vermont where the weather reaches a broad range of extremes, this facility will enable a consistent training facility.
Project Name: Upgrade Taxiways and Replace Arm/Disarm Pads
Request: $16,500,000
Service Component: Air National Guard
Project Number: CURZ059054
Project Location: Burlington International Airport, Vermont
This project will improve the D and F taxiways at Burlington International Airport. Currently, these taxiways are 50' in width and have no paved shoulders. Furthermore, the Arm/Disarm pads are undersized and do not meet wingtip clearance requirements for parked and taxiing aircraft. Both taxiway surfaces have deteriorated and require an upgrade. This project will widen the taxiways to 75’ with 10’ paved shoulders. It will also improve the Arm/Disarm pads and upgrade the taxiway surfaces from asphalt to concrete. This project will create over 400 jobs and improve facilities critical to our national security.
Project Name: Live Fire Shoot House
Request: $1,999,000
Service Component: Army National Guard
Project Number: 500069
Project Location: Jericho, Vermont
This project will enhance squad level training in urban environments by providing Commanders with a facility to train and evaluate their unit during a live fire exercise. The Vermont Guard has also determined that this project is necessary to meet training requirements that Guard members be able to move tactically through closed spaces by learning how to safely enter and clear rooms and buildings, engage combatants and practice target discrimination. These skills will allow our Army National Guard soldiers to be better prepared and be more effective at their time of deployment, therefore improving our national security.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Vermont Department of Children and Families; Waterbury, VT
At-Risk Youth Assistance Program
Request: $800,000
I request this funding in order to support at-risk youth programming state-wide. The Vermont Department of Children and Families has a successful track record in administering to programs that engage youth in enriching and safe activities in order to prevent juvenile delinquency. Funding would be geared towards engaging youth in mentoring programs, healthy recreational activities and after-school enrichment as well as supporting outreach programs and community centers for teens.
Vermont Department of Education; Montpelier, VT
Extended Education Programming in Schools
Request: $700,000
I strongly support increasing the educational possibilities open to children of lesser means beyond what is offered during the school day. The Vermont Department of Education will use these funds to set up Saturday and after-school programs at schools around the state that will provide stimulating and enriching educational activities for children who could not otherwise afford them. I believe that providing additional schooling for children during these hours can decrease the rate of delinquency at participating schools and hopefully will set a model for how state and federal programs can reduce juvenile crime and delinquency.
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife; Waterbury, VT
Equipment Support for Game Wardens
Request: $150,000
As the Vermont State Police and local departments face increasing budget pressures the responsibility for law enforcement in rural areas increasingly falls upon the state game wardens. These sworn officers must often traverse off-road areas in the course of their patrols. I request this funding for their equipment purchases to help offset the cost of in-car cameras and laptop computers.
Vermont Department of States Attorneys and Sheriffs; Montpelier, VT
Equipment Support for the Sheriffs’ Departments
Request: $100,000
The sheriffs’ departments across the state of Vermont still have many unmet capital needs. A consistent and enduring need is for in-car camera systems that protect both police officers and crime suspects. This funding will be distributed to departments across the state to help purchase in-car camera equipment.
Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police; South Burlington, VT
Local Police Department Support Request
Request: $150,000
The Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police (VACOP) is the organization of the Chiefs of the municipal law enforcement agencies in Vermont. VACOP would use these funds to upgrade the technological capabilities of local police departments across Vermont. Specifically, funds would be used to purchase equipment such as in-car camera upgrades, computer upgrades, and blackberries for officers. The in-car camera upgrades are particularly important, because most Vermont municipal law enforcement agencies still use VHS tapes to record arrests. As the world transitions to DVD, these tapes are becoming more and more difficult to maintain and repair. They also raise a number of issues with storage for evidentiary purposes.
Disability Rights Vermont, Inc.; Montpelier, VT
Vermont Communications Support Project
Request: $100,000
The Vermont Communication Support Project (CSP) provides needed communication support in legal and state administrative proceedings for people with disabilities. While the court, attorney, or state agency pays for the time of communication support specialist, as a necessary accommodation under the ADA, funding is needed to support the infrastructure required to recruit, train and supervise communication support specialists, coordinate assignment of support, and conduct outreach to legal, court and agency personnel about the need to provide and the availability of this accommodation. The CSP has been a cutting edge project, looked on as a model by other states but in danger of ending with a loss of its funding. I am requesting funding to continue this much needed project.
South Royalton Legal Clinic; South Royalton, VT
Legal Assistance Program for the Underserved
Request: $100,000
The South Royalton Legal Clinic (Clinic) provides approximately $1.5 million annually in pro bono counsel to unemployed and low income Vermonters who cannot afford legal representation. Clients seek assistance managing pressing issues such as domestic abuse, immigrant assistance, housing, disability benefits, employment, bankruptcy, divorce, and custody arrangements. Legal counsel is provided by staff attorneys with support from civic-minded law students, who hone their legal skills while training to become the next generation of advocates. Financial support for the Clinic’s programs is essential to providing necessary support to those most in need. I am requesting this funding to support the Clinic’s continued operations, which are critical to a number of low-income Vermont populations.
Vermont State Police; Waterbury, VT
Mobile Video Project
Request: $200,000
Over the past two years the Vermont State Police have evaluated multiple Mobile Video Recorder (MVR) systems in an effort to find the most economical and efficient solution to replace the rapidly aging current systems, which were installed in 1997/1998 and use out-dated VHS technology. This funding would allow the Vermont State Police to transition away from VHS to DVDs. DVDs have a number of advantages over VHS tapes, including access to maintenance and repair services. DVDs are also easier to copy and smaller to store.
Vermont Legal Aid, Inc.; Burlington, VT
Vermont Employment Law Project
Request: $100,000
Vermont Legal Aid has seen the request for legal representation in unemployment compensation denials increase by more than 600% over the past two years. In response to this need, I am requesting funding for Vermont Legal Aid’s Vermont Employment Law Project, a statewide two- year, two attorney initiatives to provide more support in employment law cases. Through the Vermont Employment Law Project, Vermont Legal Aid would focus on representation of individual low-wage workers in a variety of employment law matters, including unemployment compensation, employment discrimination, workplace accommodations for workers with disabilities, wage and hour disputes, health and safety issues, access to training programs and post-secondary education, pension and health care issues, and, workers’ compensation.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Vermont National Guard Medical Case Managers
$500,000
Vermont National Guard
This funding would be used for the Vermont National Guard to hire and retain temporary medical case managers to assist with Guardsmen returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ethan Allen Firing Range Upgrades
$1,630,000
Vermont National Guard
This funding would allow the Vermont National Guard to upgrade equipment at Ethan Allen Firing Range.
Gulf War Illness Research Program
$25,000,000
Vermont National Guard
This funding would be used to research gulf war illness.
United Service Organizations
Senator Sanders requested funding for the United Service Organizations in the FY 2011 Defense Appropriations bill.
Vermont National Guard Sustainable Energy Project
Vermont National Guard
$9,000,000
This funding will be used for the Vermont National Guard to conduct sustainable energy demonstration projects to provide real world experience with energy efficiency and alternative energy technology at DOD facilities.
Vermont Service Member, Veteran, and Family Member Outreach, Readiness, and Reintegration Program
Vermont National Guard
$5,000,000
The program utilizes Outreach Specialists to connect service members and their families with the services and benefits that the VA provides, such as PTSD treatment, TBI screening and treatment, and mental health counseling. Outreach Specialists additionally provide referral services to help address a wide range of potential issues important for readiness, readjustment, and reintegration, including mental health, marriage counseling, financial counseling, services for children, and substance abuse awareness and treatment. This program works in close consultation with the VA, the Vermont National Guard’s Family Readiness Program, the state veterans’ agency, and other for-profit and non-profit entities in the business of helping service members, veterans, and their families as they face challenges before, during, and after deployment.
LABOR-EDUCATION-HHS APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Department of Public Safety
Firefighting and Emergency Services Training Support
$100,000
These funds will be used for skill training for firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and include support for cadets, young people who on a volunteer basis learn many real skills applicable to emergency services. Funding will be used to both enhance their vocational training and increase recruitment and retention for firefighting and EMS and will be administered through the Vermont Fire Academy, a part of the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
Bi-State Primary Care Association
Outreach and Education Campaign
$40,000
Bi-State Primary Care Association fosters the delivery of primary and preventive health services to the people in Vermont and New Hampshire, with special emphasis on the medically underserved. This funding would allow Bi-State to conduct an outreach and education campaign that would help Vermont residents understand how to access the benefits of Vermont’s 51 federally qualified community health centers. Bi-State would work with local and community groups and existing outreach partners to carry out the campaign.
Bi-State Primary Care Association
Dental Clinic Project
$110,000
The 2000 Surgeon General’s report describes oral health in the United States as a “silent epidemic of dental and oral diseases.” This epidemic is hitting America’s children especially hard. Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease in the United States—occurring five times more often than asthma and seven times more often than hay fever. One approach to this problem that has been used with success is providing dental care through school-based dental clinics. I am requesting these funds for Bi-State Primary Care Association so that that organization can work with local school districts and dental practitioners to establish a small dental clinic in a local school.
Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Nutrition Assistance Program
$300,000
Vermont's population, like that of many states, is increasingly aging, and the welfare of senior citizens is an ever-pressing issue. Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging have taken up many of the challenges accompanying this demographic shift. These agencies coordinate and support a wide range of home- and community-based services, including information and referral, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, employment services, senior centers, adult day care and a long-term care ombudsman program. They also provide assistance for adults in need of protection or supportive services. This funding will allow the Area Agencies on Aging to expand their nutrition and home-delivered meals programs in Vermont, reaching a larger number of eligible seniors.
Addison County Parent Child Center
Child Care and Parental Education Support
$300,000
In Vermont, there are 10 parent child centers that provide infant and toddler care as well as parental education. As a network, they often act as training centers within their communities but state dollars have been confined to limited education initiative and do adequately support these centers’ broader mission. Parent child centers are in a unique position to help programs raise the quality of care for the youngest and neediest Vermonters.
The Addison County Parent Child Center (ACPCC) has a therapeutic childcare model that has evolved as a model program for working with children up to age three. The Center is in a position to publish materials and train providers across the state. With the support of the requested funding, the ACPCC could support other programs in the Parent/Child Center Network (PCCN) to serve as trainers in their local districts for high quality and therapeutic programming for infants and toddlers. In addition, funds will be used to support the operations in the PCCN statewide.
Castleton State College
Nursing Program
$200,000
This funding would allow Castleton State College to continue development of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The increased complexity of patient problems and the rapid growth of Vermont’s elder population make the BSN the preferred beginning professional degree for nurses. Expanding the number BSN programs offered is desirable in light of Vermont’s aging nursing workforce and the national nursing shortage.
In contrast to the Associate’s in Science in Nursing, a BSN would attract younger men and women and also practicing nurses currently holding an associate’s degree. This proposed new program would be particularly beneficial to Vermont’s rural and low income citizens, as Castleton would become the only Vermont State College to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Furthermore, it is essential that such a nursing program be accredited. The college’s current AS in Nursing program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing for 30 years, but a new program cannot be accredited until its first cohort has completed the program and been assessed. Because of the difficulties in recruiting students for an as-yet unaccredited program, there are additional start-up costs to compensate for lower enrollment. The requested funding is needed to help defray the costs in the five-year development cycle.
Cathedral Square Corporation
Seniors Aging Safely at Home
$200,000
This funding would support a collaborative effort in six Vermont counties – Bennington, Windham, Chittenden, Rutland, Caledonia, and Washington. It would create a long term care system by knitting together the skills of Vermont’s housing nonprofits, home health agencies, Area Agencies on Aging, mental health agencies and hospitals. The program would establish a medical home for participants in each of the six counties. The medical home would link residents in to existing community based care services. When such services were unavailable, the program would create a safety net of services that could be provided through the medical home. The program would also tie the medical home into the existing records system. Reimbursement for care through this system would be based on outcomes, not on the number of procedures performed, incentivizing doctors to make the best decisions.
Homeshare Vermont
Homesharing Expansion
$100,000
The State of Vermont’s two home sharing programs—26 year-old HomeShare Vermont based in Burlington and six year-old Home Share of Central Vermont based in Barre—propose to establish a national model for statewide home sharing. The two programs combined currently serve four counties fully: Chittenden, Grand Isle, Addison, and Washington. Also served peripherally are Lamoille and Orange. This project would expand coverage to those counties and the remaining eight: Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Orleans, Rutland Windsor and Windham – thus becoming the first state in the nation to provide non-profit home sharing services to vulnerable populations statewide.
