More than $8 million in federal grants is headed to Vermont, with a significant portion slated for Newport to replace aging water and sewer lines, make streetscape improvements, and advance redevelopment of the long-vacant downtown property known as "the pit."
The Northern Border Regional Commission announced the awards Friday. Newport received $3 million for downtown infrastructure upgrades intended to support housing and commercial growth, and $500,000 was awarded to the Northeastern Vermont Development Association to help acquire the pit property, which has sat empty for over a decade after a proposed redevelopment collapsed amid allegations of misuse of EB-5 investor funds.
"It's a big deal for us," Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase said. "It's not just the money. It's a sign of investment and belief that Newport is turning a new page."
The mayor noted that the city got the full $3 million it requested, and additional funds are still needed to fully complete the pit project. No specific redevelopment plans have been finalized for the property.
Loralee Tester, executive director of the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, called the investment "critical and long overdue," adding: "What Newport has lacked is the patient, foundational public investment that unlocks private capital, housing, and business growth."
Vermont's total take of $8.3 million includes $7.6 million through the Catalyst Program, $695,062 through the Forest Economy Program, and $110,000 through the Timber for Transit Program. Other recipients include the University of Vermont and the Vermont Agency of Transportation, with projects spanning Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Orleans, and Windham counties.
The awards are part of a $45.4 million round across the commission's four member states: Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York.
Originally reported by VTDigger.
Photo: Quang Vuong via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
Log in as a subscriber to comment, or become a member.