On October 11, 2023

Killington Forward kickoff attracts dozens of local, regional, state representatives

TIF designation and bond vote paved way for $285 million village development

By Polly Mikula

Last Wednesday, Oct. 4, the town of Killington officially broke ground on its municipal water system — among the biggest drivers of the Killington Forward initiative, which, also includes a complete rebuild of Killington Road, a workforce housing development and a new village at the base of Snowshed and Ramshead.

Over  60 local, state and federal officials gathered to celebrate the historic milestone at the future site of the pump house on Route 4.

“You’ve waited 35 years for this,” said Lyle Jepson, executive director of Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region, as giant scissors snipped the ceremonial red ribbon. Jepson was referring to a village development that has long been planned and abandoned by various developers due to lack of municipal infrastructure. “This is moving Killington and Vermont forward!” Jepson added.

“TIF is a very ambitions program, but all of this is necessary and we have so many people and organizations to thank,” said Town Manager Michael Ramsey.

Voters in Killington approved a municipal infrastructure bond of $47 million this past March on Town Meeting Day by a wide margin — 75% voted “yes.”

The debt, will be repaid through tax increment financing for Phase 1 of the water and the full reconstruction of Killington Road. According to projections, the resulting development of the first phase of planned and permitted development at the base of Snowshed and Ramshead will add $285 million to the town’s grand list value — the incremental increase from that growth will pay the bond. Additionally, payments are guaranteed through a development agreement with Great Gulf, the developer of the future village.

The town of Killington has also received approval for $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for the water infrastructure, nearly $3.7 million forgivable loan from the state’s drinking water revolving fund, $2.25 million from the Northern Border Regional Commission and $1 million from the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program — all of which reduce the amount of bonded debt.

Casella, who received a $18,244,850 contract with the town, expects to complete the first phase of the municipal water expansion in two years. From there the water line will progress down Killington Road.

“It’s highly likely that some of the condos up by the mountain will tap into the municipal waterline even before the new village is built,” Haff said.

For many businesses along Route 4, access to clean, reliable water could not come soon enough. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘Forever Chemicals’, have been found in many establishments necessitating expensive treatment protocols to remedy.

A municipal water system will also allow for more business development along the road and housing, including a workforce.  The town bought 70 acres of land at the base of Killington Road in July and plans call for up to 250 to 300 housing units — a mix of apartment buildings, duplexes and single-family homes.

For more informaiton visit: MountainTimes.info/tif.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…