An alliance that includes 27 towns in three southeastern Vermont counties has unveiled a plan for reversing the region’s economic decline.
The plan sets a goal of 1,800 new jobs by 2018 -- an addition of $460 million annually to the region’s economy.
That’s despite the expected loss of hundreds of the region’s highest paying jobs when Vermont Yankee closes next year.
Laura Sibilia of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation says the plan reflects the ideas of many individuals and groups.
“Basically it says, ‘Here’s your assets. Here’s your challenges. Here’s the things that are kind of unique and special in southeastern Vermont. And these are really your opportunities that you can take to grow,'” Sibilia explained.
The plan includes six overall goals, backed by various "action plans" and projects
Sibilia says the document is intended to serve as a "Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy." After 30 days for public comment it will be submitted for approval to the federal Economic Development Agency.
If approved, it could help leverage funds to move the group’s objectives forward.
