West Rutland receives $172,000 to improve sidewalks  

West Rutland was one of seven municipalities that received a downtown transportation fund grant.

West Rutland received $172,091 to improve sidewalks. Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced awards of over $1 million in downtown transportation fund grants in designated downtowns and eligible designated village centers on May 4. Since 1999, DHCD has supported investment in public infrastructure through the downtown transportation fund. The program has helped update streetscaping, parking, rail, and bus facilities, bicycle and pedestrian safety, park enhancements, utilities, street lighting, and wayfinding signage.

“The recent revitalization work in St. Johnsbury, St. Albans, and Waterbury through Downtown transportation fund grants has shown that increased public investment in downtowns attracts private investment, strengthens local economies, and improves the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” said Scott. “Efforts like this are critical components of our work to grow the economy throughout Vermont.” 

The downtown transportation fund is a financing tool that helps municipalities pay for transportation-related capital improvements within or serving a designated downtown or village center. Since its inception in 1999, the program has invested over $14 million to support 158 projects in 35 different communities leveraging over $57 million in additional funding. 

“Transportation infrastructure improvements can have profound positive effects on communities and the quality of life of individual Vermonters by offering more alternatives and enabling more active lifestyles,” said Agency of Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn.