Governor Scott’s “Capital for a Day” tour landed in Chittenden County on Thursday, October 24.
The tour emphasized listening and learning opportunities for the Governor’s leadership team on workforce issues, efforts to boost housing, mobile home park challenges, and invaluable work to support Vermont’s veterans.
Colchester: Cabinet Meeting
The day began with an extended Cabinet meeting at Josh’s House at Fort Ethan Allen. Commerce and Community Development Deputy Secretary Tayt Brooks and Housing and Community Development Commissioner Alex Farrell joined Governor Scott and others at Josh’s House, a place where veterans gather during the day to get a hot meal, do laundry, use the gym, or just hang out.
Valerie Pallotta, Josh's mom, talks to Governor Scott about the services provided at Josh's House.
The non-profit is named after Josh Pallotta, a member of the Vermont National Guard who saw combat in Afghanistan. Josh died by suicide after returning home. Governor Scott and his team praised Josh’s House for the community they’ve created and their support of Vermont’s military family. Josh's mother, Valerie Pallotta, is seen above speaking to Governor Scott.
Williston: Workers Wanted
Over in Williston, Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development Brett Long joined members of the Department of Labor team for a visit to Velan Valve where they discussed the importance of using collaboration to ensure a strong 
future for Vermont’s manufacturing sector.
The Vermont plant is Velan Valve’s largest in the United States and manufactures specialty valves for the Navy and nuclear operations. Their life-saving technology and highly acclaimed precision are world renowned, but Velan is not immune from workforce and demographic challenges facing businesses across the state. Velan says they have enough people applying for positions, but they aren’t qualified for CNC machining and other precision roles. The issue is compounded by their aging workforce. Velan expects significant retirements in the next five years.
Aging machinery and limited in-house training resources add further challenges. Discussions focused on opportunities for partnership, such as the Vermont Training Program (VTP), and other opportunities to prepare a new wave of skilled laborers.
Hinesburg: Adding Housing
Hinesburg showed off its plan to add housing within its village growth center to Housing and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Nate Formalarie and members of the Agency of Human Services.
Dep. Commissioner Formalarie on far left listens to presentation by Hinesburg Town Manager Alex Weinhagen.
The group toured phase two of Kelley’s Field, a mixed-income community of 24 apartments for adults 55 years and older that received some of its funding from the Vermont Community Development Program.
Residents are expected to move into Kelley's Field II starting in January.
Kelley’s Field is just one of several housing initiatives in Hinesburg. There are five projects in the works. Three hundred fifty-seven are approved or in the permitting process. The town hopes to add another 139 in future phases.
Milton: Mobile Home Park Upgrades
Deputy Commissioner Formalarie, the Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, and project contractors toured the Milton Mobile Home Park to discuss ongoing infrastructure projects and challenges facing the 100-unit community.
Established in 1967, the park's aging infrastructure (water and wastewater lines, electrical systems, and septic service) has significant maintenance needs. Until recently, septic systems required weekly pumping to maintain functionality.
With grant support from the Vermont Community Development Program and the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program, 60 of the units are already connected to municipal water with another 20 scheduled for connection. Plans are underway to replace outdated pipes and electrical systems, safeguarding resident access to essential services. A primary concern is addressing homes situated precariously on a ravine. Work is underway to relocate six of these units to safer lots within the park.
Bolton: Building Out Infrastructure
Commissioner Farrell, Dep. Commissioner Long, Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein, and other state employees met with Bolton Valley Resort President Lindsay DesLauriers to talk about infrastructure and housing.
Commissioner Farrell addresses DesLauriers
Bolton Valley is working on major water and wastewater upgrades along the Bolton Valley Access Road. The Department of Economic Development awarded Bolton Valley Resort a $700,000 Community Recovery and Revitalization Program grant to upgrade its wastewater treatment system.
Currently 80% of homes in the resort area are occupied by year-round residents. The town of Bolton has designated three places in town for future growth: West Bolton, the Village along Route 2, and the area surrounding Bolton Valley Resort.
Essex Town: Manufacturing Tour
Glavel, a Vermont Training Program recipient, hosted Governor Scott, Commissioner Goldstein, Dep. Commissioner Long, and Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn for a tour. The company is at the forefront of sustainable building materials and specializes in manufacturing foam glass gravel. Glavel offers an innovative solution for foundational insulation and drainage. Produced from recycled glass, foam glass gravel is lightweight, fire-resistant, and has strong load-bearing capacity, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly construction projects. During the visit, insights into Glavel's production processes highlighted the company’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials while also creating a versatile product that can replace traditional insulation and drainage solutions.
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Chittenden County was the fourth stop on the "Capital for a Day" tour. You can read more about stops in Orleans, Caledonia and Washington Counties.