Planner spots grant opportunities; library seeks $214,475 for accessibility and septic work

The planner updated the board on grant work since the last meeting and said he had submitted a Vermont Department of Libraries application requesting $214,475 for the library to plan and implement septic upgrades, install an ADA‑accessible restroom and reconfigure access. "The final request was $214,475," the planner told the board.

He also recommended the community development block grant and the state's REDI program as options to support larger projects such as library improvements, childcare centers, or reuse of Brigham Academy. The planner advised starting with smaller planning grants (architectural or septic designs) as foundations for larger implementation applications and offered to pursue letters, district contacts and grant applications where the regional planning commission or consultant capacity could help.

Board members asked for summaries of funding obtained historically to include in future proposals and instructed staff to continue pursuing planning and implementation grant steps identified by the planner.