Better Backroads

Better Backroads Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What types of grants does the Better Backroads program offer?

A.  There are two types of grants.  Category A grants are to conduct a road erosion inventory and develop a capital budget plan and Category B grants are to correct an existing erosion problem.  For more information and project photos, visit our home page. 

Q.  Who is eligible to receive a grant from the Better Backroads Program?

A.  Any municipality, lake, watershed, community or homeowners organization, in Vermont.  Minimum insurance requirements apply for non-municipal organizations.  Call (802) 828-4595 for more information.

Q.  Do erosion control grants only apply to unpaved roads?  What about private roads or driveways?

A.  Grants are available for erosion control work on town highways.  They may be paved or unpaved.  Private roads are eligible only if there is a formal association (i.e., neighborhood association) that would act as the grant recipient.  Driveways are not eligible to receive grant funds.  Please call (802) 828-4595 for more information on grants for non-municipal organizations.

Q.  What is the maximum award amount for each grant?

A.  Category A maximum is $4,000 and Category B maximum is $7,000.  All grants require a 25% local match of the total project cost with cash or in-kind services.

Q.  When can I apply for Better Backroads grants?

A.  Grant applications will be mailed to all town offices and road foreman once per year in the fall.  For specific dates, please call (802) 828-4583 or 793-7816.

A.  Can I apply for more than one grant per year?

Q.  Yes, there is no limit to the number of applications a town or organization can submit. 

Q.  What if I need technical assistance or other help?

A.  The Better Backroads program staff and Steering Committee are available for assistance.  Please see our contact page for information.  

Q.  If I have been awarded a grant, when can I start construction on my project?

A.  It will depend on where the funding for your grant project comes from.  Towns receiving money from the Federal Highway Administration may have to wait several months or up to one year before approval is given to begin work.  Towns receiving money from state or other sources are usually able to start work as soon as notice of award approval is received.  If you are unsure of the funding source for your grant or when to begin construction on your project, please call the RC&D office at (802) 828-4595.

 Q.  What do I have to submit with the final report?

A.  The match documentation form; all receipts/invoices for supplies, equipment, labor and materials; documentation to support in-kind labor and contributions (if available); a press release to publicize the project; 2 photos before, 2 during, and 2 after construction for Category B projects; and a copy of the report and capital budget plan for Category A projects. 

 Q.  What are the deadlines for field work and final reports?

A.  Fieldwork must be completed by October 15 of the year after your grant was awarded.  Final reports are due October 31 of the year after your grant was awarded.  For example, if you received a grant in 2007, field work and final reports are due in October of 2008.