CORNWALL / STARKSBORO — The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) awarded $15,120 in state Municipal Planning Grant funds to the town of Cornwall and $8,733 to the town of Starksoro.
The funding will enable Cornwall to update zoning and subdivision bylaws to preserve its working landscape and natural resources. The total project cost is budgeted at $18,680. It grows out of the Values Mapping Project.
Cornwall will have a year and a half to complete this project, according to Holly Noordsy, co-chair of the Cornwall Planning Commission, or CPC.
“The town is thrilled to receive this grant to assist with revising our zoning and subdivision bylaws,” Noordsy said. “This has been a goal of the CPC for the past few years. With this funding, the CPC can avail themselves of the expertise of a consultant and explore creative solutions to help accomplish this important planning goal.”
The Starksboro grant falls under the “Sustaining Rural Economy” category, and it will help the town engage citizens to chart a path toward reducing local flood risks, preserving scenic resources, and providing guidance to site renewable energy projects. The total project cost is estimated at $9,100.
Cornwall and Starksboro successfully competed against 69 communities; a total of 38 were funded. 
“These grants support diverse, locally-driven projects that address a range of issues from housing and economic development to taking steps to reduce future flood damages,” said Josh Hanford, deputy commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. 
Awarded annually and administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Municipal Planning Grant program supports local community revitalization and planning initiatives. Since 1998, the program has provided over $11 million to 234 cities and towns across Vermont to help breathe new life into communities, plan for future growth and development and improve our quality of life. More information on the grant program is online at http://tinyurl.com/z9cz94y.