BRANDON—The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) and the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) invite Brandon businesses, employees and homeowners to attend an Oct. 16 community forum to learn about a Neshobe River study and to gather community input on ways to protect business and the local economy from future floods.
The community forum is the first step in a project called the Vermont Economic Resiliency Initiative or VERI. The VERI project is designed to help Brandon evaluate the flood risk to business and infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities), and identify the steps Brandon and the state can take to minimize rebuilding and recovery costs and ensure that businesses stay open—saving jobs and protecting the economy.
“Brandon residents and business showcased their resourceful, self-reliant community spirit in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene,” said DHCD Commissioner Noelle MacKay. “However, the ongoing recovery taught us that no one individual, business, organization, town or state agency can tackle a crisis alone—and input from the Brandon community is critical to the success of this project.”
VERI is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and is led by the Vermont DHCD in partnership with the state regional planning commissions, the Agency of Natural Resources, and the Agency of Transportation.
Anyone who lives, works, or owns a business or property in Brandon is invited. The meeting will be held Thurs. Oct. 16, 7 to 9 p.m., at Brandon Town Hall, 1 Conant Square. It will be facilitated by DHCD Commissioner MacKay. To participate, RSVP is required by Oct. 8. Email LKeir@rutlandrpc.org or call 775-0871 x205.
