By VDC staff

Thirteen community and infrastructure projects across Vermont will receive a combined $8.9 million in federal funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Fall 2025 Catalyst Program, state and federal officials announced Tuesday.

Governor Phil Scott joined U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Becca Balint in highlighting the awards, which support a wide mix of local initiatives — from community centers and childcare expansions to major water, wastewater and transportation upgrades intended to bolster workforce housing.

The Northern Border Regional Commission, established in 2008, is a federal–state partnership serving rural regions of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and New York. The Catalyst Program supports innovative projects aimed at long-term economic vitality.

Vermont recipients of the Fall 2025 Catalyst Competition include:

Cambridge 360 Inc. — $489,020 to purchase and renovate the Cambridge Community Center in Jeffersonville.

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission — $100,000 for a feasibility study on redeveloping the flood-prone federal building at 87 State Street in Montpelier.

City of Vergennes — $1 million for a new 1,280-foot street and utilities to support a 130-unit workforce housing project and improve local infrastructure.

Northeast Kingdom Community Action, Inc. — $1 million to expand the Lakemont Family Resource Center in Newport, adding childcare slots, classrooms and mobile services.

Norwich Community Collaborative Inc. — $390,000 to restore the historic Norwich Grange Hall for use as a community center.

Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center, Inc. — $100,000 for pre-development planning to connect an aquatic and fitness center with a historic building, including childcare and public space design.

Taproot Farm & Environmental Education Center — $294,400 to establish a 60-acre farm, recreation and education campus in Lunenburg.

The Hatch Inc. — $36,225 for a feasibility study supporting the expansion of craft and technical education programs.

Town of Shelburne — $1 million to install an ultraviolet disinfection system to improve Lake Champlain water quality and reduce wastewater costs.

Town of Waitsfield — $1 million to connect Waitsfield School to a new municipal wastewater system, enabling future development.

Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission — $35,000 for a feasibility study on downtown White River Junction infrastructure improvements.

Vermont League of Cities and Towns — $500,000 to launch a technical-assistance program supporting municipal housing and infrastructure planning.

Montpelier — $2,994,597 to replace water and sewer lines and build a pump station and road at the Country Club Road site, supporting up to 300 new housing units.

More details about the funded projects are available through the Northern Border Regional Commission.