November 8th, 2023

The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce (MRVCC) has received a $5,000.00 grant from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS). The MRVCC worked in partnership with Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom to qualify and submit for this grant. These funds will help enhance the new Mad River Valley Recreation Hub and fund a moldering restroom facility and a public bicycle work stand.

A lack of public restroom facilities has been a long-time concern in the Mad River Valley.  While the location of the recreation hub is ideal, there are limitations to the existing septic situation. A moldering public toilet system has been identified as a perfect solution, said Eric Friedman, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Additionally, the lack of a place for the public to do basic bicycle repairs is also problematic when one considers the number of visitors and locals the recreation hub will attract. The placement of a public bicycle work stand would go a long way towards solving that problem.”

The Foundation For Rural Service awards grants to rural communities served by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association members, of which Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom is a member. These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. The required matching funds contribution was provided by Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom.

“FRS is proud to support these projects throughout the country to promote health, safety, education, and growth in rural communities,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “This year we had an incredible number of applications and we awarded $105,000.00 to 23 grant recipients.  Thank you to the NTCA members who partnered with FRS to fund these projects.”

For more information on FRS and community development grants, please contact Lorraine Keener at (802) 496-8379 or lkeener@wcvt.corp.com.