Department highlights VORAC grants backlog and community recreation projects in House Appropriations hearing

Department officials told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 13 that Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VORAC) grants produce local economic returns but that demand outstrips available funding.

Commissioner Danielle Fitzow said the governor’s recommended budget includes $500,000 for VORAC grants, and recapped the 2025 combined grant round in which the department administered roughly $11,000,000 but still left about $13,000,000 and 70 projects unfunded. "That just tells me there's still so much opportunity out there that communities are ready," Fitzow said.

Fitzow offered two project examples to show local impact: in Waitsfield a community plan and construction of a connecting bridge opened access to roughly 60 miles of trail and linked recreation to downtown businesses; in Danville a train station conversion (for just under $100,000) created an ADA‑accessible recreation hub connected to the Memorial Valley Rail Trail and resulted in increased local visitation.

Fitzow described these grants as "revenue‑generating" because investments to expand and improve outdoor access can increase visitation and business activity in downtowns and rural communities. The committee did not vote on the VORAC line; members asked clarifying questions about the size of the proposed request and the backlog of ready projects.