There’s a lot of demonizing of grants and grant writers in The Valley these days. To hear some talk, one would think grants cause cancer, hurricanes and floods.
Yes, grants come with strings attached. Yes, grants require towns to use engineers and meet state and federal guidelines. Yes, grants are paid for by all of us through state and federal taxes.
AND grants paid a significant portion of the cost of two new town offices in The Valley. Grants are responsible for sidewalks in Warren, Moretown and Waitsfield.
A Waitsfield Conservation Commission–Vermont Land Trust project to purchase 110 acres at the gateway to the town’s Scrag Municipal Forest received a $125,000 state grant this week, which will be added to a $256,650 federal grant and a $40,000 contribution from Waitsfield’s conservation fund, means the groups are bringing $421,650 to the table where the purchase price is $450,000.
The Mad River Valley Recreation District will be seeking grant funding of at least $165,000 to offset the cost of purchasing the rec fields at Mad River Park.
Both of these projects are important projects for The Valley. Study after study shows the significant economic impact of recreation on the local economy. A new network of trails in Waitsfield’s Scrag Forest will bring hikers, mountain bikers, hunters and more to enjoy that pristine wilderness area. Providing improved access and proper parking will only enhance the experience.
Securing a permanent home for The Valley’s organized sports teams is no less important. Having centralized fields with adequate parking and good fields is important to attract young families with children to The Valley where they will also reduce education spending. Youth sports are important and we need rec fields for those activities. Non-organized recreation is similarly important and the Scrag Municipal Forest is ideal for expanding recreational opportunities in Waitsfield.
Grants are good. They will help us pay for amenities that enhance our quality of life and also attract tourists and young families who want to spend money here and live here.
