The Vermont Smart Growth Collaborative is a group of ten highly respected organizations working together to shape and implement smart growth policies and practices around the state.

Our mission is to promote growth and development in downtowns and village centers while protecting Vermont's open landscape.

The Collaborative is supported by its members and by generous grants from the Argosy Foundation, the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, the Ittleson Foundation, the Kelsey Trust, the John Merck Fund, and Eileen and Paul Growald.

Original Circ Highway Plan Re-Surfaces

The battle over the Circ highway continues as State and Federal transportation officials agree that the original route planned between Interstate 89 and Vermont 117 is the best option for easing traffic congestion and avoiding conflicts with buildings and historic sites. A suit won by the Conservation Law Foundation in May 2004 halted construction and prompted an environmental impact statement, which was released in 2007, offering less invasive and more cost efficient alternatives to the original plan.

However, the US Army Corps of engineers have yet to weigh in. A last draft of the Circ report still needs to be completed, with another public comment period to follow and potential future court appeals -- all of which may further delay the highly contested project.