AARP Community Challenge Announces 129 Grantees -- Including $19,000 to Three Vermont Recipients

 

 

Today, AARP announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including 3 recipients right here in Vermont.  A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
• Address other issues of importance for communities.

Here in Vermont the grantees include:

- Bethel: Town of Bethel Recreation Department - $5,000
The grant will enable the construction of a pathway connecting a school to recreational trails, enabling residents to more easily access outdoor social and physical activities.

- Swanton: Village of Swanton - $4,000
The grant will help create a demonstration project of traffic calming features, including an island of raised flower beds, the installation of trees and shrubs, and the renovation of a crosswalk.

- West Rutland: Town of West Rutland - $10,000
The grant will allow for the creation of pedestrian walkway to the West Rutland Recreation Area, providing access to the Clarendon River and forest for all residents.

 

“AARP Vermont is pleased to announce these grants that will help these communities address critical transportation-related issues and improvements,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director. “These are great examples of how communities can begin to take steps to make their towns great places to grow old. We look forward to working with them to make it happen.”

“AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Community, State and National Affairs. “This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.”

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.  AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages.

To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challenge please visit www.aarp.org/livable.