# Vermont Awards Rural Industry Development Grants

The Vermont Department of Economic Development, supported by Governor Phil Scott, awarded a total of **$1.79 million** in Rural Industry Development Program (RIDP) grants on August 13, 2026, to revitalize two downtown properties in Montpelier and Newport. These grants target redevelopment efforts for housing, commercial, and retail uses to stimulate local economic growth and address community needs in these rural areas.

- The grants include **$1 million** for the Newport Main Street Block redevelopment and **$790,000** for the purchase and maintenance of a former post office property in Montpelier.
- Procurement professionals should note the focus on downtown property revitalization, which may create future contracting opportunities in construction, property management, and related services.
- This initiative reflects state-level investment in rural economic development, signaling potential for similar grant programs and public-private partnerships in Vermont.
- Businesses and contractors specializing in redevelopment, housing, and commercial property services in Vermont should evaluate how to engage with these and upcoming projects to support community revitalization efforts.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Economic Development
- Office of Governor Phil Scott

### Vendors
- Northeastern Vermont Development Association (grant awardee)
- 87 State Street Local Development Corporation (grant awardee)

### Key Quotes
> These grants will help Montpelier and Newport transform properties in their downtowns and put them back to good use.
> — Phil Scott, Governor

### Sources
- [Governor Phil Scott and Department of Economic Development Announce Latest Round of Rural Industry Development Grants | Office of Governor Phil Scott](https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-and-department-economic-development-announce-latest-round-rural) - VT