SPRINGFIELD, VT – On Monday, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, visited with business leaders at the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) in Springfield to learn about new programs and progress on the Park Street School renovation project. The project aims to revitalize Springfield’s town center by developing infrastructure to support technological innovation and prepare the coming generations of Vermonters for a modern workforce. 

The Black River Innovation Campus located in Springfield works to empower, inspire, and support rural regions in Vermont through technology and entrepreneurship. BRIC’s Park Street School renovation project received $1 million through an FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request and was nominated by the Senator’s office. The Springfield Regional Development Corporation also secured $3 million in FY22 CDS funding from former Senator Patrick Leahy to support BRIC’s Park Street School project. 

“Integrating technology and entrepreneurship is crucial to strengthening economic growth in Vermont and across the country. Initiatives like the Park Street School project utilize collaboration and entrepreneurship to foster innovation in small communities like Springfield. Supporting these projects ensures rural communities have the tools they need to engage in technological innovation that creates jobs and spurs economic growth in Vermont,” said Sen. Welch. 

Sen. Welch was joined by Vin Fusca, Executive Director, BRIC; Chris Maggiolo, Director of Development, Operations and Finance; Caitlin Christiana, Director of Community and Culture; Matt Dunne, Director/Founder of Center on Rural Innovation (CORI); Tom Kennedy of Mount Ascutney Regional Commission; Bob Flint, Executive Director, Springfield Regional Development Corp.; and Jeff Mobus, Town Manager, Springfield. 

View photos from the event below and on Senator Welch’s website. 

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